Understanding the difference between spring bloomers and non-spring bloomers is key to ensuring a vibrant and flourishing landscape throughout the year. Consider the tips in this Landscaping Guide for Spring Pruning.

Hold off pruning on:

• Spring bloomers: These beauties, like azaleas, dogwoods, redbuds, and Japanese magnolias, flower on old growth – branches that grew the previous year. Pruning them now would remove the flower buds that formed last fall, leaving you with a disappointing lack of blooms come spring. Wait until after they have finished flowering to prune for shaping and encouraging new growth. This allows the plant to focus its energy on producing vibrant flowers, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your landscape.
• May bloomers: Plants like forsythia, pyracantha, and climbing roses set their flower buds for the following year in fall. Pruning them later than July disrupts this critical process, leading to fewer or even zero flowers next spring. Patience is key here, as delaying pruning preserves the potential for vibrant blooms that will decorate your landscape later.

Get your pruners ready for:

• Summer and fall bloomers: These plants, like crape myrtles and hydrangeas, produce flowers on new growth – branches that grow in the current season. Pruning them in late winter or early spring encourages vigorous growth, sets the stage for abundant blooms later in the year, and ultimately enhances the visual appeal of your landscape during the warmer months.
• Neglected or diseased plants: Sometimes, immediate action is necessary for a plant’s overall health, even if it means sacrificing blooms. Don’t hesitate to prune diseased branches or those that are hindering healthy growth throughout the season. Remember, a healthy plant will ultimately produce more flowers and contribute to a thriving, attractive landscape in the long run.

Remember, every plant is unique, and specific needs may vary from this Landscaping Guide for Spring Pruning. Before reaching for your pruners, always research the specific needs of your individual plants. This might involve consulting online resources, local nurseries, or the local Duval County UF/IFAS extension office. With a little research and understanding, you can avoid accidental flower bud removal and promote healthy, vibrant growth in your desired plants, ensuring a thriving and aesthetically pleasing landscape throughout the year.

From our office in Atlantic Beach and satellites throughout Northeast Florida, Rockaway Inc proudly serves both commercial and residential sustainable 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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Mulch is a layer of material, such as bark, pine straw, or leaves, that is applied to the surface of the soil around your plants. It provides a number of benefits, including:

• Insulating the soil: Mulch helps to keep the soil warm in the winter and cool in the summer. This is because it acts as a barrier between the air and the soil, preventing heat from escaping or entering.

• Conserving moisture: Mulch helps to retain moisture in the soil, which is essential for plants during dry periods. It slows down the evaporation of water from the soil, so your plants don’t have to work as hard to stay hydrated.

• Suppressing weeds: Mulch can help to prevent weeds from growing in your garden beds. This is because it blocks out sunlight and makes it difficult for weed seeds to germinate.

• Protecting the soil from erosion: Mulch can help to protect the soil from erosion by wind and rain. It helps to hold the soil in place, preventing it from washing away.

• Adding nutrients to the soil: As mulch breaks down, it releases nutrients into the soil. This can help to improve the fertility of your soil and make it more hospitable for plants.

In addition to these benefits, mulch can also make your garden look more attractive. A fresh layer of mulch can help to hide unsightly weeds and give your garden a neat and tidy appearance.

Choosing the Right Mulch for Your Garden

There are many different types of mulch available, so it’s important to choose one that is right for your plants and your garden. Some things to consider when choosing mulch include:

• The type of plants you are growing: Some plants prefer acidic mulch, while others prefer alkaline mulch. Be sure to choose a mulch that is compatible with the pH of your soil.
• The climate in your area: For hot and sunny microclimates around town, you will want to choose a light-colored mulch that will reflect the sun and help to keep the soil cool. If you have heavy canopies in your area the stays cooker, you will want to choose a dark-colored mulch that will absorb heat and help to keep the soil warm.
• Your budget: Mulch can range in price from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars per cubic yard. Be sure to choose a mulch that  fits your budget.

Applying Mulch

Once you have chosen the right mulch for your garden, it’s time to apply it. Here are a few tips:

• Apply a layer of mulch that is 2-4 inches thick.
• Be sure to leave a gap of about 2 inches around the base of your plants. This will help to prevent moisture from building up around the stems and causing rot.
• Water the mulch well after you apply it. This will help it to settle and start to break down.

Maintaining Your Mulch

Mulch can be reapplied seasonally to every few years depending on type, as it breaks down over time. You can also top off your mulch in between applications if it starts to thin out.

Benefits of Using Rockaway Sustainable Landscaping

If impressed by these winter mulching benefits and you’re looking for assistance, Rockaway Sustainable Landscaping can help. We offer a variety of mulch options, as well as professional installation services. We can also help you choose the right mulch for your garden and apply it correctly. We are committed to using sustainable practices, so you can be sure that your garden is being cared for in a way that is good for the environment and your budget. Contact us today for more about our landscape maintenance services.

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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Mastering the Art of Pruning:

• Timing is Key: Late winter, when the trees are bare, offers the perfect window for pruning. This allows for clear observation of branch structure and avoids hindering the spring bloom, as crape myrtles flower on new growth. February is prime pruning time!
• The Four Ds: Remember the “Four Ds” of pruning – dead, diseased, damaged, and dangerous. Prioritize removing branches that fall under these categories to maintain a healthy and safe tree.
• Shaping with Purpose: pruning can be used to shape the crape myrtle for aesthetic or functional purposes. Create beautiful screens, hedges, or topiary forms tailored to your landscape.
• Thinning for Airflow: Removing excess branches, particularly those crossing in the center, promotes better light and air circulation within the canopy, fostering optimal growth.
• Safety First: Low-lying limbs near walkways or roads pose potential hazards and warrant removal for increased safety.

Beyond the Blade:

• Mulch Magic: A light, 1-2 inch layer of pine straw mulch applied in winter helps retain moisture around the roots during dry spells. Avoid piling mulch directly against the trunk; good air circulation is crucial.
• Fertilize for Flourishing Blooms: In early spring, a targeted application of fertilizer encourages and supports the development of vibrant blooms.
• Pest Patrol: Our vigilant maintenance and agronomics teams watch for common crape myrtle pests and diseases, including powdery mildew, leaf spot, aphids, Japanese beetles, and sooty mold. Timely interventions ensure these pests and diseases don’t steal the limelight from your cherished trees.
• Crape Murder: We avoid, over pruning, which can result in “crape murder!” This refers to the harsh practice of topping mature crape myrtles with thick trunks. Such drastic cuts often result in weak, spindly growth that struggles to support the sizable blooms. Not only does it compromise the tree’s natural beauty, but it also increases susceptibility to diseases and pests.

By following this approach, our dedicated teams strive to give your crape myrtles the attention and care they need to thrive. Through this collaborative effort, we ensure these dazzling trees continue to paint Jacksonville with vibrant splashes of color, adding captivating charm to your property and the community. Remember, caring for these trees is not just about aesthetics; it’s about fostering a healthy and thriving ecosystem for all to enjoy.

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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Plants have different optimal temperature ranges for growth, and most plants thrive in temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Here are a few reasons why plants don’t do well at low temperatures, which ones are most susceptible, and tips for plant care below fifty degrees: 

1. Slow growth: Cold temperatures slow down the growth processes of plants. Enzymatic reactions, nutrient uptake, and overall metabolic functions decrease when temperatures drop. This can result in stunted growth or dormancy until more favorable temperatures return. 

2. Reduced nutrient uptake: Cold temperatures can affect the ability of plants to take up essential nutrients from the soil. The availability and solubility of nutrients can be compromised in colder soils, leading to nutrient deficiencies and poor growth. 

3. Poor root development: Low temperatures can inhibit plant root growth and development. Roots need warmth to expand and absorb water and nutrients effectively. When roots struggle to develop, the overall health and vigor of the plant can suffer. 

4. Increased susceptibility to diseases and pests: Cold temperatures can weaken plants’ natural defense mechanisms, making them more susceptible to diseases and insects. Some pests and pathogens also thrive in colder conditions, further damaging already stressed plants. 

5. Frost damage: When temperatures drop below freezing point, the water in plants’ cells can freeze and expand, causing cell walls to rupture and damage the plant’s tissues. This can lead to wilting, discoloration, and, eventually, death. 

You might also be interested in our Landscape Aftercare Guidelines for Rockaway Inc, Installations article.

It’s worth noting that not all plants are equally sensitive to cold temperatures. Some plants, known as frost-tolerant or cold-hardy species, have adaptations that enable them to withstand and even thrive in colder climates. These plants have mechanisms such as antifreeze proteins, protective hairs, or thicker cell walls that help them survive and grow in lower temperatures. Learn what USDA cold hardiness zone you live in, and then consider whether a particular plant’s cold-hardiness is appropriate for your landscape.

Tropical Plants Begin to Suffer at Fifty Degrees & Below

Tropical plants typically thrive in temperatures ranging from 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 32 degrees Celsius). However, specific temperature tolerances may vary between different plant species. As a general guideline, tropical plants may struggle when exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) or above 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius). It’s essential to research the specific needs of your tropical plants for more accurate temperature ranges. You might also be interested in our article, Tropical Plants Have Many Uses.

Best Ways to Prepare Plants As Temps Drop Below Fifty

As temperatures drop below fifty degrees, protecting your plants and ensuring their health is essential. Here are some of the best ways to prepare your plants for colder temperatures: 

1. Bring potted plants inside: If you have potted plants that are sensitive to cold temperatures, it is best to bring them indoors. Find a suitable location with adequate sunlight and temperature conditions for each plant. 

2. Mulch your garden beds: Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base of your plants in garden beds. Mulching helps insulate the soil, preventing it from cooling down too much and protecting the plant’s roots. 

3. Water your plants appropriately: Water your plants deeply, especially before a frost or freeze, as moist soil can absorb and retain more heat than dry soil. However, be cautious not to overwater, as excessive soil moisture can lead to root rot and other complications. 

4. Cover tender plants: Although ‘below 50’ is far from freezing, begin thinking ahead as you don’t want freezing temperatures to catch you off guard. Purchase frost blankets well in advance of the seasonal rush. Also, be prepared to use bed sheets or burlap to cover tender plants overnight when temperatures are expected to dip below freezing. Ensure the cover reaches the ground on all sides to trap the earth’s heat around the plant. 

5. Group plants together: Cluster potted plants together on a porch or patio, as the combined heat from each plant can provide some extra protection. Additionally, surrounding walls or buildings can act as insulation. 

6. Prune frost-sensitive plants in the Fall: Trim back any dead or damaged foliage from your plants before winter. Doing so will help redirect energy to healthier areas and minimize the risk of disease and pests. 

7. Consider using plant shelters or cold frames: For more delicate plants or areas with prolonged freezing temperatures, you can opt for plant shelters or cold frames. These structures provide additional insulation and protection from the cold. 

8. Monitor weather forecasts: Stay updated on the upcoming weather conditions and plan accordingly. Remember that different plants have varying degrees of cold tolerance, so it’s essential to research and understand the specific needs of each plant in your garden. We hope this article on plant care below fifty degrees is beneficial. You might also be interested in our article, Helping Your Plants Come Back After A Freeze.

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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One of the most effective ways currently available to protect trees and the ecological web dependent on them is the proper application of Davey Arbor Green Tree Fertilizer. Trees are not just beautiful additions to our landscapes; they are essential for the health of our planet. They provide oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, offer shade, and create habitats for countless wildlife species. As responsible stewards of our environment, we must care for our trees, ensuring they thrive for generations.

The Importance of Tree Fertilization:
Like all living organisms, trees require essential nutrients to grow and stay healthy. In natural forests, trees obtain these nutrients from decaying organic matter in the soil. However, in urban environments or landscaped areas, the soil may not provide an adequate supply of nutrients. This is where tree fertilization becomes crucial.

Arbor Green Tree Fertilizer: A Sustainable Choice:

Arbor Green Tree Fertilizer is a premium choice for tree care enthusiasts. What sets it apart is its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Here’s why Arbor Green is the go-to fertilizer for eco-conscious tree lovers:

1. Balanced Nutrient Composition: Arbor Green Tree Fertilizer is a 30-10-7 formulated blend of essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K). This balance ensures that your trees receive all the necessary elements for robust growth, vibrant foliage, and increased resistance to pests and diseases.

2. Slow-Release Technology: Unlike quick-release fertilizers that can harm the environment through runoff, Arbor Green uses slow-release technology. This means nutrients are gradually released over time, reducing the risk of over-fertilization and minimizing the impact on water bodies.

3. Environmentally Friendly Ingredients: Arbor Green Tree Fertilizer is made with environmentally friendly ingredients, reducing its carbon footprint. This commitment to sustainability aligns to protect your trees and the entire ecosystem.

4. Easy Application: Davey Arbor Green Pro tree fertilizer is designed for easy application. You’ll find it convenient whether you’re a professional arborist or a passionate gardener. Follow the instructions provided, and you’ll be on your way to promoting healthier, more resilient trees.

Benefits of Using Arbor Green Tree Fertilizer:

1. Enhanced Tree Growth: With the proper nutrients in the right balance, your trees will experience improved growth and vitality. Expect more robust trunks, denser canopies, and vibrant foliage.

2. Disease Resistance: Well-nourished trees can avoid diseases and pests better. Arbor Green Tree Fertilizer strengthens your trees’ natural defenses, reducing the need for chemical interventions.

3. Environmental Stewardship: You’re making an environmentally responsible choice by choosing Arbor Green Tree Fertilizer. The slow-release formula minimizes runoff, protecting waterways and aquatic life.

4. Long-Term Sustainability: Arbor Green Tree Fertilizer supports your trees’ long-term health and sustainability. Healthy trees contribute to cleaner air, reduced carbon emissions, and a more beautiful environment.

Conclusion:

Investing in Arbor Green Tree Fertilizer is not just about beautifying your surroundings; it’s a commitment to the health of our planet. By providing your trees with the nutrients they need to thrive, you’re contributing to a greener and more sustainable future. So, whether you have a backyard garden, a community park, or a corporate campus with trees, make the choice that aligns with your values—choose Arbor Green Tree Fertilizer and watch your trees flourish like never before. Together, we can ensure a greener tomorrow for generations to come.

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. Avoid over-watering your lawn. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth and discourage the growth of the fungus.

2. Water your lawn in the early morning to allow the grass blades to dry before evening, reducing conditions for fungal growth.

3. “Good surface and soil drainage will also help reduce the incidence of brown patch,” according to NC State Extension. “Avoid establishing turf in low areas that collect water or in soil that is heavily compacted. Aerate high-traffic areas each fall to reduce compaction and maintain soil drainage.”

4. Maintain proper mowing practices. Do not remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing. Keep your lawn at the recommended mowing height for your grass species.

5. Ensure adequate sunlight reaches your lawn. Prune overhanging trees or structures that may shade the grass excessively.

6. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, especially during hot and humid weather.

Patch turf disease prevention and control requires proper cultural practices including proper irrigation, mowing practices, fertilization, and attention to drainage. However, even with best cultural practices, chemical intervention may be needed.

For best results begin treatment before or at the onset disease. To keep Rhizoctonia solani in check Rockaway regularly monitors seasonal conditions and soil temperature turns to initiate timely prevention and control programs for our clients. Where Rhizoctonia solani has been previously identified, controls can be initiated early in the season. If symptoms have already begun, Rockaway can establish an aggressive program with additional billable treatments to improve the appearance of your lawn, but because symptoms do not fully subside until a change of weather brings normal turf growth, we cannot guarantee a complete improvement. You can help by communicating any changes in your lawn to your Rockaway client experience coordinator so we can work together to keep this ongoing challenge under control.

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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Consider these tips for Fall vegetable gardening in Northeast Florida.

What to Grow
You may already have a productive warm-season garden and need to decide which cool-season crops you’ll now grow and where. It’s helpful to record the varieties you grew and include any notes you want to remember for the following seasons. It’s also important to rotate crops yearly to increase soil fertility and break the life cycle of disease organisms and pests. Our handouts “Planting Guide for North Florida Vegetables” and “Planting Guide for North Florida Culinary Herbs” can help you decide on your crops. Use the Plant Family column so you can avoid successively planting vegetables from the same family. Grow what your family likes to eat, and if it’s your first time, don’t try too much at once. You can also plant small amounts in 2-week intervals to keep a manageable amount coming.

When to Grow
Bush, lima, pole beans, summer and winter squash, and cucumber can still be grown. Additionally, you can renovate your garden to prepare for the cool season crops, along with a second crop of tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers. Start your Cool-weather seed crops in late August. Turnips, carrots, celery, and onion sets are all best planted directly into the garden. You can also start seeds either in-ground or starter pots of beets, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, endive, kale, collards, and mustard (take a little extra care if transplanting mustards instead of direct sowing). You can plant Arugula, kohlrabi, lettuce, radish, spinach, strawberries, and swiss chard in September. Many herbs we typically grow prefer the cool season planting, including parsley, sage, cilantro, dill, fennel, chervil, and thyme. 

Where to Grow
If you don’t have a garden location, choose the sunniest site on your property. Account for any deciduous trees that may block light when leafing out. Easy access to the kitchen is a plus. If the land has some slope and you garden in rows, align the rows perpendicular to the slope to decrease runoff. Otherwise, align them east to west for best sun exposure. Also, remember that taller plants like tomatoes or trellised plants should be located where they won’t block the sun from shorter plants.

How to Grow
If you’ve already created a vegetable garden, clean out the spent summer crops and remove any other debris. Don’t compost anything that looks diseased, as the heat may not kill certain diseases and nematodes. Reinforce raised bed structures if needed, or clean up the boundaries of your beds. A soil test would be advisable and typically available for free at your County Agricultural Extension offices. Based on the test, add the recommended amount of fertilizer. Next, add organic matter. Compost improves soil and plant growth regardless of the soil type you’re adding it to. Spread a 3-4 inch over the bed and lightly work in.

If you need to create a garden, the most productive and attractive way to grow a garden, especially in our area where soils lack nutrients and good texture, is to build raised beds. There are many advantages to a raised bed, and one of the biggest is that it doesn’t involve tilling. Tilling has become less popular in the home garden – it contributes to topsoil loss, can increase weeds by bringing seeds up where they will germinate and destroys the soil structure and the beneficial organisms. Many sites describe building a raised bed (for example, the UF document ENH1211). They can be built any size, but limiting them to 4” wide allows you to reach from both sides without walking into the bed. Raised planters complement square-foot gardening, first proposed by Mel Bartholomew, which has become a popular and efficient way to garden.

Create Your Bed
Once you’ve located your garden and built raised beds, it’s time to create your soil mix. A 1-1-1 mix (by volume) of compost, peat moss, and vermiculite makes the perfect soil. If you don’t already compost, combine different kinds of store-bought compost to ensure you’re putting a variety of nutrients into the mix. Once the planters are filled, mark off 1’ by 1’ squares with a sturdy grid. One-inch-wide strips of wood lath work well for this and give you a constant point of reference for spacing your plants correctly.

Plant your Garden.
Before planting, spray the soil to moisten it thoroughly. Seed packets will list the sowing depth, but generally, seeds are planted at a depth about equal to their size or a little deeper. Position trellises as you plant transplants. Lightly water your new plants or seeds and keep them moist. With the right soil mix in the garden, fertilizer is less necessary, as nutrients are added when additional compost is refreshed at the end of the season. Keep your beds tidy and watered. A serpentine soaker hose running through the bed beneath the soil surface is an efficient, water-wise practice. Hand watering can supplement the irrigation regulated by the SJRWMD. Check on your garden daily and harvest often.

PRINTABLE ARTICLE PDF

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.

References
Bartholomew, M.l, 2013, All New Square Foot Gardening, 2nd edition, Cool Springs Press, Minneapolis, MN, 272 pp.

DelValle, T.B., Gardening in Raised Beds, ENH1211/EP472, Gainesville: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, July 2016.

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 1. Southern Chinch Bugs (Blissus insularis): These tiny insects are the most damage pest for Florida lawns as they feed on St. Augustine and Zoysia by sucking sap, causing the grass to turn yellow or brown and eventually die. Proper identification of chinch bugs early before infestation is the key to protecting your lawn. Turf stress from poor irrigation, cutting grass too short, and excessive use of high nitrogen fertilizer are invitations for chinch bugs.

2. Tropical Sod Webworms (Herpetogramma phaeopteralis): These caterpillars feed on grass blades, resulting in irregular patches of brown or dead grass. “Tropical sod webworms are part of a pest complex of warm season turf caterpillars in Florida that include fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), striped grass loopers (Mocis spp.), and the fiery skipper (Hylephila phyleus),” According to UF IFAS. “Indications are that this species does not survive the winter in the northern part of the state, and thus seems possible that some seasonal migration of this species may occur. Adults rest in sheltered and shrubby areas during the day and are active at dusk.”

3. Armyworms (Spodoptera frugiperda): Similar to sod webworms, armyworms can quickly devour grass blades, leading to patches of brown or dead grass. They are moth caterpilars that do their damage in the larval stage. Typically about 1.5″ in length the young armyworm will be greenish brown and turn darker brown as they mature. They don’t have strong cold tolerance and are mostly only an annual threat in the Southeastern United States and tropical regions at lower latitudes.

4. Easter Lubber Grasshoppers (Romalea microptera): Lubbers are large 1-3″ long, short-winged grasshoppers that with infestation cause significant damage to gardens, ornamental plants, and turf. Their seasonal lifecycle begins with eggs hatching in Spring followed by maturity and mating season July through September. 

5. Brown Patch Disease (Rhizoctonia): This fungal disease causes circular patches of brown, dead grass that can spread rapidly, especially during humid weather.

6. Large Patch Disease: (Rhizoctonia solani): Also known as zoysia patch, this fungal disease mainly affects warm-season grasses, in hot humit weather causing yellow or brown patches that can expand over time.

7. Dollar Spot (Clarireedia): This fungal disease is most common in Spring and early Summer forming small, bleach-white, straw-colored patches that resemble silver dollars. Dollar Spot often occurrs in areas with poor irrigation and/or low nitrogen levels. It requires 10-12 hours of moisture on the turf blades to take hold. When dollar spot is present white, fuzzy mycelium may also appear on grass blades in the morning dew.

8. Fairy Ring: This fungal disease creates circular, dark green rings in the grass, with mushrooms or toadstools appearing in or around the rings. They most commonly occur during the Summer rainy season arising from the network of hyphae that feeds on decaying wood and other decomposing organic material.

It’s important to regularly inspect your lawn for signs of pests or diseases and consult with your county extension office for specific treatment recommendations based on your area and grass type. Rockaway Agronomics division also provides lawn pest and disease control services for both residential and commercial clients in Northeast Florida. Contact us with your questions and to book a landscape maintenance consultation.

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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Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to trim a palm:

1. Assess the palm: Determine the specific type of palm you have, as different palm species require different pruning techniques. Some palms are self-cleaning meaning they don’t need to be trimmed at all as the browning fronds will fall off on their own. Self cleaning palms include the popular King palms, Queen palms, Areca palms, Adonidia palms, and Foxtail palms.

2. Prune during the right time: The best time to prune a palm tree is during the spring or early summer, before the active growing season. Avoid pruning in colder months or during winter to prevent damage to the tree.

3. Gather the necessary tools: Before you start, gather the following tools: a ladder or an extendable pole pruner for taller palms, pruning shears (or loppers), gloves, safety goggles, and a pruning saw (for thicker branches). Clean your pruning tools with a mild bleach solution before and after use to avoid the transfer of pests and pathogens from one tree to another. Never use spikes for climbing palms or allow anyone contracted to us them on your healthy palm trees due to their likely causing damage to the cambium tissue under the trunk and increased risk as a result from insects and disease pathogens.

4. Safety precautions: Wear protective gloves, safety goggles, and a hat to protect yourself from any potential debris. Consider using a ladder with safety features or ask
someone to assist you to ensure stability. Beware of the spines, teeth, and sharp leaves associated with many of the popular palm species including Washingtonia robusta, Phoenix canariensis, Chamaerops humilis, and Bismarckia nobilis. Additionally the fronds of a mature Royal Palm, Roystonea regia can weight over fifty pounds making its removal from a ladder quite dangerous.

5. Remove dead or damaged fronds: Identify any dead or damaged fronds and remove them by cutting them off at the base. Use pruning shears or loppers for smaller branches or a pruning saw for thicker ones. Make clean cuts to avoid tearing the fronds.

6. Remove Superfluous Fronds: Identify any healthy fronds that are overcrowding the palm tree. Remove them to promote better airflow and sunlight penetration, which is essential for the palm’s health.

7. Avoid removing too many healthy fronds: It’s important not to over-prune a palm tree. Removing too many healthy fronds can stress the palm and impede its ability to produce food through photosynthesis. Aim to remove no more than a third of the fronds, focusing on the dead and damaged ones.

8. Clean up: Once you have finished trimming the palm, clean up any debris that may have fallen around the tree. Dispose of the pruned fronds properly, following local waste disposal regulations.

Lastly, remember, if you are unsure about how to trim your specific type of palm or if your palm tree requires more extensive pruning, it’s best to consult a professional arborist/tree service for guidance.

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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