Presented by
Dr. Teri Hamlin
Georgia Department of EducationGeorgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office
July 2001
LandscapeManagement Practices
Mulching, Watering, Staking, Fertilization, Weed Control
MulchA tree’s best friend
• Insulates soil
• Retains moisture
• Keeps weeds out
• Prevents soil compaction
• Reduces lawn mower / weedeater damage
• Adds an aesthetic touch
Mulch
Mulch• Max depth of 2-4”
• Do not touch the trunk
• Mulch too deep can lead to – trunk & crown rot – poor root ball aeration
Type of Mulch
• Bark
• Pine Straw
• Grass Clippings
• Leaves
• Rock
• Synthetic Materials
Ground Cloth under Mulch ???
IrrigationHow much ? How often?
• During establishment– Minimum of 1” of water per week
• Water between 9 p.m. - 9 a.m.
Types of Irrigation
• Sprinkler
• Micro Sprinkler
• Drip Irrigation
Drip IrrigationUses 30-50% less water
Efficient and effective application
Fewer pest problems
Fewer weeds
No wind effects
Easily automated
Economic to install
Drip Irrigation
Time Clock
XeriscapeWater Management Practices
Staking
• Good - quality trees do not require staking
• When to stake:– Windy Location– Top Heavy– Plants 8’ or taller– Weak Trunks– Small Root Ball– Evergreens
Types of Staking
• Support weak trunk
Root ball anchorage
Staking
Staking
• Rubber straps are nicely suited for attaching stakes to trunks
• Wire threaded through hose can girdle plant if left to long
• Never leave a plant staked for more than one growing season
Trunk Protection• Little protection against insect & disease• Some sun scald protection for thin bark plants • Uneven wraps w/exposed bark = temp difference in
trunk tissue
• Products :– Paper Wrap– Burlap– Plastic– White Latex Paint
Trunk Wraps
• If used, wrap from the bottom of the tree toward the top overlapping material
• Use electrical tape or flexible adhesive versus string
Fertilizer
• Nitrogen
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
Landscape plants needs should be based on
Soil Sample
Forms of Slow-release Nitrogen
Ammoniacal nitrogen
IBDU (Isobutylene diurea)
Sulfur-coated urea
Ureaformaldehyde
General Recommendation
Types of Fertilizer
• Sources:– Inorganic– Organic
• Formation:– Dry / Granular– Liquid– Slow-release
How to Apply Fertilizer
Fertilizer Burn
When to Fertilize
• Main Meal – Slow Release ( 1 time per year)– General Purpose (2-3 x per growing season)
• Dessert– During active growth (Spring-Summer)– Liquid
• Soil drench
• Foliage Spray
Weed Management• Mechanical
• Chemical– Pre-emergent Herbicide
• Surflan, Treflan, Ronstar, Balan
– Post-emergent Herbicide• Selective
– Kills grasses in shrubs & flowers (Poast)
– Kills broadleaf weeds in lawns (MSMA, Trimec)
• Non-Selective (Round up)
