1. Proper lawn maintenance: Ensure that you are mowing the grass at the recommended height for your type of grass. By keeping the grass at the correct length, you promote better air circulation and prevent excess moisture, which can contribute to fungal growth. Likewise, make sure that your mower blades are sharp to provide clean grass blade cuts that are less susceptible to fungus than grass blades shredded by dull blades.
2. Reduce Shade: Trim any overhanging tree branches or shrubs casting too much shade on your lawn. Increasing sunlight exposure can help prevent fungal growth. Alternatively, choose grass cultivars developed for shade in areas under large tree canopies.
3. Avoid over-watering: During the Fall, the weather becomes cooler, so the lawn doesn’t need as much water as it does during the summer months. Overwatering can lead to excessively wet conditions, which create an ideal environment for fungi to grow.
4. Improve soil drainage: If water tends to pool or accumulate on your lawn, consider aerating the soil or applying a topdressing of compost or sand to improve drainage. This helps to prevent excessive moisture and reduce the chances of fungal growth. Consider these Common Drainage Problems.
5. Avoid evening watering: Watering your lawn in the evening can leave the grass wet overnight, creating a moist environment that promotes fungal growth. Instead, water the lawn early in the morning to have time to dry throughout the day.
6. Treat promptly: If you notice any signs of fungal disease, such as discolored patches, powdery or greasy spots, or unusual growth, it’s crucial to take action promptly. “Fungicides can stop the spread of large patch in the short term but to avoid yearly battles with the disease, we suggest adjusting your lawn care practices,” according to the University of Florida. “Seasonally appropriate lawn management will improve the overall health of your lawn and make it less susceptible to large patch and other fungal diseases.”

Additionally, as warm-season grasses enter Winter dormancy, the Spring green up can be inhibited by fungus disease acquired in the Fall. For year round good landscape maintenance cultural practices and for pros that understand lawn fungus threats and prevention, contact Rockaway today.



From our office in Atlantic Beach and satellites throughout Northeast Florida, Rockaway Inc proudly serves both commercial and residential landscape design, maintenance, lawn care, irrigation, and outdoor living carpentry client needs in Jacksonville, St Augustine, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, St. Johns, and Fernandina Beach.

The post Fall Lawn Fungus Threats and Prevention appeared first on Rockaway Sustainable Landscaping.

1. Fallen Leaves: Along with the changing color of leaves associated with Autumn, these leaves start falling and can accumulate on your lawn. It is important to regularly rake them up or mulch them with your mower to prevent suffocating the grass and creating a breeding ground for pests and diseases. 

2. Weeds: There are both summer and winter weed varieties that compete for space in your lawn during the cooler temperatures of Autumn. “Winter annual weeds germinate when ground temperatures dip to around 65 degrees for several days,” according to the Florida Times Union. “In our area, these weeds usually begin to germinate in late October. You typically won’t notice them until late December, when they become a little larger. The life cycle of these plants is unique because they only live for approximately six months of the year during the cooler season. They will flower and seed before they die in the Spring, leaving the seeds to wait all summer for cooler temperatures next year.” It is crucial to identify and remove weeds promptly to prevent them from spreading and competing with your desirable plants. There are both pre and post-emergent herbicides available to sustainably control weeds if you don’t have time for hand-pulling.

3. Fungal Diseases: Many fungal diseases, such as leaf spot, large patch, powdery mildew, and rust, commonly occur in the Autumn due to cool and damp conditions. Autumn fungus in the lawn and garden is often overlooked as the associated plant health decline is masked by dormancy, resulting in worse impacts for the affected plants in Spring. Keep an eye out for discolored or wilting leaves and treat any fungal infections promptly to prevent them from spreading. 

4. Dying or dormant plants: As the temperatures drop, some plants may become dormant while others die off completely. It’s essential to understand the seasonal growth patterns and needs of your specific plant varieties to know how best to care for them. Properly pruning and protecting your plants can help ensure their survival heading into the winter months. “The best time to prune live branches may depend on the desired results,” according to the University of Florida. “Growth is maximized and defects are easier to see on deciduous trees if live-branch pruning is done just before growth resumes in early Spring. Pruning when trees are dormant can minimize the risk of pest problems associated with wounding and allows trees to take advantage of the full growing season to begin closing and compartmentalizing wounds.

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5. Moisture Control: Autumn rainfall in Northeast Florida is much lower than Spring and Summer, and less water is required due to lower temperatures and rates of evaporation. Corresponding with Daylight Savings Time, Jacksonville restricts watering to one day a week from the first Sunday in November to the second Sunday in March. Monitoring the daily temperature, wind speed, soil moisture levels, and watering at the right time can help prevent issues like root rot or drought stress. 

6. Pests: Autumn can attract various pests, such as aphids, snails, slugs, and caterpillars, as they seek shelter and food before winter. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pest infestation and take appropriate actions that can include everything from hand picking to a variety of treatments targeting the specific pest species.

Remember to conduct regular maintenance, such as mowing, aerating, and mulching, to keep your lawn and garden healthy and prepare it for winter dormancy. Rockaway offers extensive agronomic and landscape maintenance services to address common autumn lawn and garden problems. Learn more HERE. 

From our office in Atlantic Beach and satellites throughout Northeast Florida, Rockaway Inc proudly serves both commercial and residential landscape design, maintenance, lawn care, irrigation, and outdoor living carpentry client needs in Jacksonville, St Augustine, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, St. Johns, and Fernandina Beach.

The post Six Common Autumn Lawn and Garden Problems in Jacksonville appeared first on Rockaway Sustainable Landscaping.

1. Watering: As the weather cools, adjust your irrigation schedule to reduce watering frequency. Monitor rainfall and adjust your irrigation system accordingly to prevent overwatering.

2. Planting and maintenance: Autumn is an ideal time to plant new trees, shrubs, and flowers in Florida. Take advantage of the slightly cooler temperatures and ample rainfall. Also, remember to continue general maintenance tasks such as trimming, pruning, and removing any dead or diseased plant material.

3. Lawn care: Transitioning your lawn from summer to autumn requires some attention. Adjust your mowing height to let the grass grow a bit longer, which helps protect the roots and improves overall lawn health. And reduce the frequency of mowing.

4. Pest control: Fall is a prime time for pests like chinchbugs, armyworms, and mole crickets. Regularly inspect your landscape for signs of infestation, and promptly take action to control and prevent pest problems. Consider using environmentally friendly and safe pest control products to protect beneficial insects and wildlife. Rockaway Agronomics staff stay on top of pest issues for our clients twelve months per year.

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5. Mulching: Applying a layer of mulch around your trees, shrubs, and flower beds helps conserve moisture, control weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Refresh and replenish mulch regularly, as it naturally decomposes over time.

6. Seasonal flowers and vegetables: Take advantage of the mild fall weather in Florida by planting seasonal flowers and vegetables. Popular options for fall blooms include marigolds, petunias, and impatiens. For vegetables, consider planting crops like lettuce, broccoli, and carrots.
Florida’s climate can vary significantly from north to south, so it’s always a good idea to consult with local gardening or landscaping experts for specific guidance tailored to your region.

From our office in Atlantic Beach and satellites throughout Northeast Florida, Rockaway Inc. proudly serves both commercial and residential landscape design, maintenance, lawn care, irrigation, and outdoor living carpentry client needs in Jacksonville, St Augustine, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, St. Johns, and Fernandina Beach.

The post Six Tips for a Vibrant Fall Garden and Landscape appeared first on Rockaway Sustainable Landscaping.

1. Low maintenance: One significant benefit of artificial turf is its low maintenance requirements. Unlike natural grass, artificial turf does not need to be regularly mowed, watered, or fertilized. This makes it more cost-effective and time-saving.

2. Durability: Artificial turf is designed to withstand heavy foot traffic, making it an excellent choice for areas with high usage. It can endure harsh weather conditions and remains green and presentable throughout the year.

3. Water conservation: One of the most significant benefits of artificial turf is its ability to conserve water. Natural grass requires significant water to maintain its lush appearance, especially in dry climates. You can significantly reduce water consumption and contribute to conservation efforts by choosing artificial turf.

4. Reduced allergies: Artificial turf provides a welcome alternative for individuals who suffer from allergies to grass pollen or have sensitivities to certain grasses. Since it is synthetic, it does not produce the same allergens that can affect people with grass allergies.

5. Enhanced playability: Artificial turf offers consistent playing conditions and improved shock absorption. This makes it an excellent choice for sports fields and playgrounds, as it reduces the risk of injuries and provides better traction.

6. Aesthetically pleasing: Artificial turf can maintain a vibrant green appearance year-round, regardless of weather conditions. It offers a consistent and well-manicured look that can enhance the overall aesthetics of an area.

7. Environmental benefits: Artificial turf eliminates the need for pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals typically used to maintain natural grass. By reducing chemical usage, it can contribute to a healthier environment.

While artificial turf has several advantages, it is essential to consider potential drawbacks, such as higher initial installation costs and the artificial appearance it may have compared to natural grass. Ultimately, the choice between artificial turf and natural grass depends on your specific needs and preferences.

From our office in Atlantic Beach and satellites throughout Northeast Florida, Rockaway Inc proudly serves both commercial and residential landscape design, maintenance, lawn care, irrigation, and outdoor living carpentry client needs in Jacksonville, St Augustine, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, St. Johns, and Fernandina Beach.

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1. Improved Oxygenation: Aeration helps to increase the oxygen supply to the grassroots. This is essential for the aerobic microorganisms that live in the soil and contribute to the breakdown of organic matter, resulting in healthier soil and more robust grass growth.

2. Enhanced Nutrient Absorption: By promoting better airflow and water infiltration, aeration allows the grass roots to absorb nutrients more efficiently. Aeration improves nutrient uptake and utilization, creating a greener and more lush lawn.

3. Reduced Soil Compaction: Heavy foot traffic, vehicles, and other activities can cause soil compaction over time. Aeration helps to alleviate this issue by loosening the soil and reducing compaction. This loosening effect creates pore spaces in the soil, allowing for better water movement, root development, and overall health of the lawn.

4. Thatch Reduction: Thatch is a layer of dead grass, roots, and other organic debris accumulating on the soil’s surface. Excessive thatch can restrict the movement of air, water, and nutrients to the grassroots. Aeration helps to break up and reduce thatch, promoting a healthier lawn with improved overall growth.

5. Enhanced Seed Germination: Aeration can significantly improve seed germination rates when planting grass seed. By creating holes in the soil, aeration provides direct seed-to-soil contact, allowing the seeds to establish better root systems and ensuring a higher success rate for new grass growth.

6. Water Conservation: Aeration enhances water infiltration into the soil, preventing water runoff and promoting more efficient water usage. Aeration helps reduce the water needed for irrigation, leading to water conservation and cost savings.

Overall, aerating your lawn every few years can help promote a healthier, more vibrant lawn by improving oxygenation, nutrient absorption, reducing soil compaction, thatch reduction, enhancing seed germination, and conserving water. Contact your agronomic professionals at Rockaway to schedule aeration for your lawn today!

From our office in Atlantic Beach and satellites throughout Northeast Florida, Rockaway Inc proudly serves both commercial and residential landscape design, maintenance, lawn care, irrigation, and outdoor living carpentry client needs in Jacksonville, St Augustine, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, St. Johns, and Fernandina Beach.

The post The Benefits of Lawn Aeration appeared first on Rockaway Sustainable Landscaping.

1. Time-savings: Maintaining a lawn requires regular care and can be time-consuming. Hiring a lawn service allows you to save time and focus on other activities or tasks.

2. Professional expertise: Lawn service professionals have the knowledge and experience to properly care for your lawn. They are trained in various techniques, such as mowing, trimming, edging, pruning, aeration, fertilization, fungus and weed control. Their expertise can lead to a healthier and more beautiful lawn.

3. Quality results: Lawn service providers have specialized equipment and tools to efficiently and effectively care for your lawn. They can achieve a higher level of precision and quality in tasks like mowing, edging, and trimming than you might be able to achieve on your own.

4. Consistency: Lawn service providers typically follow a regular schedule to maintain your lawn. They ensure that all necessary tasks, such as mowing and fertilizing, are done at the appropriate times and when you want it done. This consistency helps keep your lawn looking its best the way you want it throughout the year.

5. Cost-effectiveness: While it may seem counterintuitive, hiring a lawn service can actually be cost-effective in the long run. Lawn care requires various equipment and supplies, which can be expensive to purchase and maintain. By hiring a lawn service, you avoid these costs, as they will bring their own equipment and supplies.

6. Convenience: With a lawn service, you don’t have to worry about storing, maintaining, or transporting lawn care equipment. The service provider takes care of all that for you, making the process more convenient and hassle-free.

Ultimately, the decision between hiring a lawn service and doing it yourself depends on your personal preferences, available time, and budget. Consider the benefits listed above and determine which option aligns better with your specific needs. If you choose to explore your options with a lawn care provider contact Rockaway today.

From our office in Atlantic Beach and satellites throughout Northeast Florida, Rockaway Inc proudly serves both commercial and residential landscape design, maintenance, lawn care, irrigation, and outdoor living carpentry client needs in Jacksonville, St Augustine, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, St. Johns, and Fernandina Beach.

The post Benefits of Lawn Service Versus DIY appeared first on Rockaway Sustainable Landscaping.

”When we design a landscape, we are thinking of long term not just in a year, two years, or three years from now, we’re thinking 5, 10, 15 years down the road,” Fuch said. What is this landscape going to look like? It might look great now, but without the proper maintenance and care things can get out of hand really quickly. From a maintenance standpoint, some plants work better than others.” It is important to work with a design team with a strong understanding of the suitability of plants for your landscape design. ”Some site conditions to keep in mind when selecting landscape plants include: light availability, intensity and duration (full sun to deep shade) water availability, both quantity and quality. exposure to wind and temperature extremes,” according to the University of Massachusetts Amherst. ”Choosing the “”right plant for the right place”” is an important consideration for all types of landscaping. Ignoring this guideline may lead to increased maintenance, a failure of plants to thrive, and sometimes the death of installed plant material.”

At Rockaway, we work with clients with different tastes in plant material, providing plans that range from xeriscaped to lush tropical designs. ‘Do they want a landscape that’s a little bit higher maintenance and has more detail to it, or do they want something that’s a little bit more simple, more wavy naturalized? Fuch asked. ”We can do either of those depending on what you as the individual want.” The expertise and experience of our landscape architect and design team are here to serve you.

”Landscape designers work on a canvas that is distinctly different from other art forms,” according to the University of Florida. ”The “”art”” is always changing as the plants grow, environmental conditions change, and people use the space. For this reason, landscape designers use a design process that systematically considers all aspects of the land, the environment, the growing plants, and the needs of the user to ensure a visually pleasing, functional, and ecologically healthy design.”

At Rockaway, we are committed to responsive and convenient expertise tailored to your needs. ”As a salesperson at Rockaway, we want to do what we can to make to make you happy, whether it be finding the materials that we may need to ship out from somewhere like California or making that extra call just to make sure that you understand what we are doing and just to make sure that you feel comfortable before we move on to the next steps,” Fuchs said. ”We want you to feel comfortable. This is a huge investment not only for you as a person, but for the community, and we want to make sure that we do everything that we can to hit that bar. And we always want to hit that bar here.”

From our office in Atlantic Beach and satellites throughout Northeast Florida, Rockaway Inc proudly serves both commercial and residential landscape design, maintenance, lawn care, irrigation, and outdoor living carpentry client needs in Jacksonville, St Augustine, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, St. Johns, and Fernandina Beach.

The post Providing Sustainable Landscape Design in Northeast Florida appeared first on Rockaway Sustainable Landscaping.

Watering

As of 2018, the SJRWM District, Duval County, St. John’s County and the Beaches Municipalities allow you to water your new landscape with an irrigation system every day for 30 days, and then every other day for the next 30 days as long as you do so between 4:00PM and 10:00AM. Hand watering and low volume watering (such as drip, micro-irrigation and soaker hoses) are permitted at any time. Watering is best done in the morning to avoid fungal problems.

In general, most plants need to be watered every day for 2-4 weeks after planting. A good general post-planting watering schedule is as follows: week 1 and 2 every day, week 3 and 4 every other day, week 5 and 6 every third day, then 2 times per week or what is allowed by law.Fall/Winter plantings usually don’t require as much water as summer plantings and can receive water in weeks 1 and 2 every other day, weeks 3 and 4 every third day, weeks 5 and 6 twice weekly then once weekly or what is allowed by law.

If you are going to rely on irrigation systems, please make sure all plants are receiving adequate coverage. The spray/pop-up zones should be set for at least 15-25 minutes per cycle and rotor zones should be set for 45-60 minutes. These are guidelines. Both duration and frequency of watering depend on site specifics such as sun and wind exposure, current rainfall, weather patterns and whether the site is naturally wet or dry. We will be happy to help you determine adjustments. We also suggest that even those who rely on irrigation for most of their watering needs should try to hand water new plantings at least once or twice a week for the first month. This ensures that you will notice any decline, water deficiencies or stresses in the plant material before it is too late.

Staking

Large trees and shrubs (15 gal and over) should be given water by hand supplemental to the irrigation system. A good rule of thumb is to give the plant the amount of water equivalent to approximately half the pot size (i.e. 5-7 gal for a 15 gal tree). The need for this watering can also be met by installing a bubbler on individual trees, which can be done by Rockaway at your request for an additional charge.

If your plants/trees required support, Rockaway installed it at the time of planting. Most trees should remain staked for at least 6 months, depending on their size, rate of growth and the current season. Your Rockaway designer or installers will provide you with information regarding proper timing of removal, which is usually within 1 year.

Feeding

In general most plants benefit from regular applications of plant food. Feb/March, May and September are great months to feed most plants. Others require specific types of food in certain seasons or at regular intervals. For instance, citrus should be fed with citrus food at least four times a year between March and October, depending on the age of the tree. Azaleas, camellias and gardenias also benefit from specific foods with high acid content usually during the growing season. Rockaway uses compost and/or planting mix and organic fertilizer when planting. No additional fertilization should be needed within the first month. Roses are the only exception to this rule and will benefit from a liquid fertilization about two weeks after installation. We have separate care handouts for both citrus and roses.

Pruning

Most new plantings should not be pruned for at least one month after planting. Any exceptions to this will be discussed with you by your Rockaway designer or installer.

Cold Tolerance

Rockaway tries to utilize only cold hardy plants in our installations. Sometimes to achieve the desired effect or due to client request, tropical or half-hardy plants are used. These plants, such as crotons, hibiscus, and Ti plants, benefit from the application of frost cloth or blankets when the temperature is forecast to drop below 32 degrees for more than 4 hours. Young citrus trees also benefit from being covered during a freeze. Some plants, although hardy, do tend to get brown leaves after a frost. Commonly used plants that will die back and return after a hard freeze are variegated flax lily and variegated ginger. These plants should be trimmed back only after the last chance of frost has passed. If cut back too early, the plant can be stimulated to grow during one of our winter’s frequent mild spells, only to be hit by frost again—which can lead to death of the plant.

Gardening success depends on many factors and problems can arise unique to your situation. Guidelines can be open to interpretation. If you need additional information or assistance, please contact us at (904) 853-6572 and we would be happy to help.

From our office in Atlantic Beach and satellites throughout Northeast Florida, Rockaway Inc proudly serves both commercial and residential landscape design, maintenance, lawn care, irrigation, and outdoor living carpentry client needs in Jacksonville, St Augustine, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, St. Johns, and Fernandina Beach.

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