Horticulture CDHorticulture CD

Unit C 4-1: Nursery, Unit C 4-1: Nursery, Landscaping, and Landscaping, and

GardeningGardening

Problem Area 4: Landscape Problem Area 4: Landscape MaintenanceMaintenance

Lesson 1: Watering, Fertilizing, Lesson 1: Watering, Fertilizing, and Mulching Landscape Plantsand Mulching Landscape Plants

How Can We Properly Maintain This How Can We Properly Maintain This Landscape?Landscape?

Learning ObjectivesLearning Objectives

Describe how the biology of woody Describe how the biology of woody plants influences maintenance practices.plants influences maintenance practices.

Explain recommended watering Explain recommended watering practices for woody landscape plants.practices for woody landscape plants.

Explain guidelines for fertilizing woody Explain guidelines for fertilizing woody landscape plants.landscape plants.

Describe how to select and apply Describe how to select and apply mulches to the landscape.mulches to the landscape.

TermsTerms

BroadcastingBroadcasting ChlorosisChlorosis Dry fertilizersDry fertilizers Fertilizer capsulesFertilizer capsules Fertilizer spikesFertilizer spikes Inorganic mulchesInorganic mulches MicroirrigationMicroirrigation

MulchingMulching Organic mulchesOrganic mulches RespirationRespiration Root zoneRoot zone Soluble fertilizersSoluble fertilizers WiltingWilting

How Does the Biology of Woody Plants How Does the Biology of Woody Plants Influence Maintenance Practices?Influence Maintenance Practices?

Describe how the biology of woody Describe how the biology of woody plants influences maintenance plants influences maintenance practices.practices.

Biology of Woody PlantsBiology of Woody Plants

In nature they have adapted to specific In nature they have adapted to specific climatic and growing conditions.climatic and growing conditions.

When moved into the landscape, the When moved into the landscape, the plants may be subjected to adverse plants may be subjected to adverse growing conditions that cause stress on growing conditions that cause stress on the plants.the plants.

It is important to understand the causes It is important to understand the causes of plant stress, its impact on plant health, of plant stress, its impact on plant health, and how stress can be reduced.and how stress can be reduced.

Causes of Plant StressCauses of Plant Stress

EnvironmentEnvironment–Compact soils, soils with poor Compact soils, soils with poor

drainage, and restricted areas for root drainage, and restricted areas for root growth.growth.

–Areas that are exposed to road salts, Areas that are exposed to road salts, air pollution, heated air flows (near air air pollution, heated air flows (near air conditioners or dryer vents), or in close conditioners or dryer vents), or in close proximity to competition from turf proximity to competition from turf grasses.grasses.

Causes of StressCauses of Stress TransplantingTransplanting

–Additional stress is placed on landscape Additional stress is placed on landscape plants during the transplanting process.plants during the transplanting process.

–Nursery plants not grown in containers, Nursery plants not grown in containers, are dug from the ground, causing are dug from the ground, causing severe damage to the root system.severe damage to the root system.

–Trees may lose up to 95 percent of their Trees may lose up to 95 percent of their feeder roots in the transplanting feeder roots in the transplanting process.process.

Plant EnergyPlant Energy

Energy for plant life is produced through Energy for plant life is produced through photosynthesis in the form of glucose.photosynthesis in the form of glucose.

Live cells in plants require a constant Live cells in plants require a constant supply of energy to live and function.supply of energy to live and function.

When an abundance of glucose is When an abundance of glucose is present, trees convert it into starches present, trees convert it into starches and oils that are held in reserve, then and oils that are held in reserve, then when needed, they are converted back when needed, they are converted back into glucose for energy.into glucose for energy.

Plant EnergyPlant Energy

Level of stored energy in a tree Level of stored energy in a tree influences growth rate, reproduction, influences growth rate, reproduction, and defense capabilities.and defense capabilities.

The energy demands of trees differ The energy demands of trees differ through the five main periods of its through the five main periods of its growth life.growth life.

Five Main Periods of Tree GrowthFive Main Periods of Tree Growth

Youth or Juvenile Stage Youth or Juvenile Stage –Photosynthesis covers all energy Photosynthesis covers all energy

demands.demands.

Development of Leaves StageDevelopment of Leaves Stage–Much of the stored energy from the Much of the stored energy from the

previous growing season is used.previous growing season is used.

High Sugar Producing StageHigh Sugar Producing Stage–Photosynthetic activity is at it’s peak.Photosynthetic activity is at it’s peak.

Five Main Periods of Tree GrowthFive Main Periods of Tree Growth

Storage of Energy StageStorage of Energy Stage–Oils and starches are held in reserve Oils and starches are held in reserve

for conversion back to energy when for conversion back to energy when needed.needed.

Dormancy StageDormancy Stage–Stored energy enables the tree to Stored energy enables the tree to

make it through the winter.make it through the winter.

Ways to Reduce Stress to Plants and Ways to Reduce Stress to Plants and Assist in Growth.Assist in Growth.

Understanding the biology of woody Understanding the biology of woody plants and how the production of plants and how the production of energy promotes plant health.energy promotes plant health.–Ability to recognize a problem, define Ability to recognize a problem, define

its cause, and select the proper its cause, and select the proper treatment.treatment.

3 Common treatments by people to 3 Common treatments by people to promote vigor and healthy growth.promote vigor and healthy growth.

3 Common Practices3 Common Practices

Watering - provides hydrogen, a key Watering - provides hydrogen, a key nutrient in the photosynthetic nutrient in the photosynthetic process.process.

Fertilizing - delivers the necessary Fertilizing - delivers the necessary amount of nutrients, that are lacking amount of nutrients, that are lacking in the soil.in the soil.

Mulching - reduces water loss, Mulching - reduces water loss, prevents weed growth, and keeps prevents weed growth, and keeps soil temperature uniform.soil temperature uniform.

What are some guidelines to consider in What are some guidelines to consider in watering woody landscape plants?watering woody landscape plants?

Explain recommended watering Explain recommended watering practices for woody landscape practices for woody landscape plants.plants.

WateringWatering

Water is the basis of lifeWater is the basis of life It carries dissolved nutrients from the It carries dissolved nutrients from the

soil to plant roots.soil to plant roots. Water also sustains plant cells and Water also sustains plant cells and

insures that photosynthesis occurs.insures that photosynthesis occurs. In order to promote plant health, it is In order to promote plant health, it is

important to recognize factors that important to recognize factors that influence watering, when to water, influence watering, when to water, and how to water.and how to water.

Factors That Influence Watering of Factors That Influence Watering of Woody PlantsWoody Plants

WeatherWeather–Cloudy, rainy, cool conditions reduce Cloudy, rainy, cool conditions reduce

the need for water. the need for water.

–Conversely, sunny, hot, windy Conversely, sunny, hot, windy conditions increase the demand for conditions increase the demand for water.water.

–Weather conditions should be Weather conditions should be monitored regularly to determine the monitored regularly to determine the need for watering.need for watering.

Watering FactorsWatering Factors

Soil TypeSoil Type–Water drains from sandy soils quickly, Water drains from sandy soils quickly,

while heavy clay soils hold water.while heavy clay soils hold water.

– It is important to identify the types of It is important to identify the types of soils in which plants are placed.soils in which plants are placed.

–Woody plants growing in porous, Woody plants growing in porous, sandy soils require more frequent sandy soils require more frequent watering than those in silty or clay watering than those in silty or clay soils.soils.

Watering FactorsWatering Factors Plant CharacteristicsPlant Characteristics

–It is important to know the growing It is important to know the growing conditions to which landscape plants conditions to which landscape plants are adapted.are adapted.

–Some plants are tolerant to dry Some plants are tolerant to dry conditions, while others perform well in conditions, while others perform well in wet conditions. wet conditions.

–However, most plants prefer moist However, most plants prefer moist well-drained soils with a good balance well-drained soils with a good balance of water and air in the porous spaces.of water and air in the porous spaces.

When to Water?When to Water?

The decision to water plants or not The decision to water plants or not should be based on observational should be based on observational skills and experience.skills and experience.

When to water is determined by When to water is determined by plant symptoms.plant symptoms.

Plant Symptoms Related to Watering.Plant Symptoms Related to Watering.

Wilting is the drooping of a plant due to Wilting is the drooping of a plant due to lack of firmness in the plant tissues.lack of firmness in the plant tissues.

Another symptom that indicates the need Another symptom that indicates the need for water is the loss of color or dullness for water is the loss of color or dullness to the leaves.to the leaves.

If the lack of water is severe, leaf tissues If the lack of water is severe, leaf tissues die and leaves appear scorched.die and leaves appear scorched.

Leaves on some plants can turn yellow Leaves on some plants can turn yellow and drop prematurely.and drop prematurely.

Indicators of Too Much WaterIndicators of Too Much Water

Excessive Soil MoistureExcessive Soil Moisture– Roots need oxygen to survive.Roots need oxygen to survive.

– If the soil becomes saturated or If the soil becomes saturated or waterlogged, the roots will not have access waterlogged, the roots will not have access to sufficient oxygen.to sufficient oxygen.

– Oxygen is used in respiration, the chemical Oxygen is used in respiration, the chemical process in which root cells convert sugars process in which root cells convert sugars to energy.to energy.

– If the roots die due to lack of oxygen, the If the roots die due to lack of oxygen, the plant is unable to absorb the water it needs.plant is unable to absorb the water it needs.

Too Much WaterToo Much Water

Poor Soil DrainagePoor Soil Drainage–Compacted soilCompacted soil

–Because the soil is compacted water Because the soil is compacted water does not drain from around the plant.does not drain from around the plant.

– If a plant with compacted soil is If a plant with compacted soil is watered regularly, the roots will not watered regularly, the roots will not receive oxygen and will die.receive oxygen and will die.

How to WaterHow to Water

Just as important as when to water.Just as important as when to water. Key to watering is getting the water Key to watering is getting the water

into the soil where the roots can into the soil where the roots can absorb it.absorb it.

Common Methods of WateringCommon Methods of Watering

SprinklersSprinklers– Sprinklers are effective in watering a large Sprinklers are effective in watering a large

area. area.

– They are especially useful in watering They are especially useful in watering ground covers.ground covers.

– When sprinkling, at least one inch of water When sprinkling, at least one inch of water should be provided at each watering.should be provided at each watering.

– In average soils, one inch of water will soak In average soils, one inch of water will soak the soil to a depth of six to eight inches.the soil to a depth of six to eight inches.

SprinklersSprinklers

Common Methods of WateringCommon Methods of Watering

Soaker hosesSoaker hoses–Soaker hoses are made of rubber and Soaker hoses are made of rubber and

ooze water. ooze water.

–Can be placed throughout a landscape Can be placed throughout a landscape planting and covered with mulch to planting and covered with mulch to hide them from sight.hide them from sight.

Common Methods of WateringCommon Methods of Watering

Watering bagsWatering bags–Watering bags are useful for newly Watering bags are useful for newly

transplanted trees located where transplanted trees located where watering is hard to accomplish.watering is hard to accomplish.

–Wrapped around the tree and filled Wrapped around the tree and filled with water.with water.

–Small holes allow the water to slowly Small holes allow the water to slowly seep into the ground.seep into the ground.

Watering BagWatering Bag

Common Methods of WateringCommon Methods of Watering MicroirrigationMicroirrigation

–Microirrigation is a closed system Microirrigation is a closed system characterized by low operating characterized by low operating pressure and small orifice size.pressure and small orifice size.

–Calculations based on soil type and Calculations based on soil type and plant size are necessary to determine plant size are necessary to determine the right amount of water.the right amount of water.

–Special emitters and tubing then Special emitters and tubing then deliver the prescribed amount of water deliver the prescribed amount of water to each plant.to each plant.

Common Methods of WateringCommon Methods of Watering

Soil watering needleSoil watering needle–Soil watering needles supply water Soil watering needles supply water

directly to the root zone of the plants.directly to the root zone of the plants.

–The needle is inserted repeatedly at The needle is inserted repeatedly at different locations around the plant.different locations around the plant.

–Water is pumped through the needle Water is pumped through the needle into the soil to insure thorough into the soil to insure thorough watering.watering.

Soil Watering NeedleSoil Watering Needle

How Should Woody Landscape How Should Woody Landscape Plants be Fertilized?Plants be Fertilized?

Explain guidelines for Explain guidelines for fertilizing woody landscape fertilizing woody landscape

plants.plants.

FertilizingFertilizing Most trees and shrubs never need to be Most trees and shrubs never need to be

fertilized. fertilized. They extract the nutrients they need They extract the nutrients they need

from the soil. from the soil. Due to construction practices and Due to construction practices and

landscape maintenance, fertilizers are landscape maintenance, fertilizers are sometimes needed.sometimes needed.

Practices that involve the removal of Practices that involve the removal of leaves, twigs, and grass clippings do not leaves, twigs, and grass clippings do not improve soil fertility.improve soil fertility.

FertilizingFertilizing

Removal of these materials prohibits Removal of these materials prohibits the release of nutrients through the release of nutrients through natural decaying.natural decaying.

It is important to recognize when It is important to recognize when fertilization is beneficial, when to fertilization is beneficial, when to fertilize, and how to fertilize.fertilize, and how to fertilize.

Reasons to Fertilize and SymptomsReasons to Fertilize and Symptoms

StressStress Nutrient DeficienciesNutrient Deficiencies

StressStress

Woody landscape plants show signs Woody landscape plants show signs of stress that can be reduced with of stress that can be reduced with fertilizer applications.fertilizer applications.

Some signs to look for are slower Some signs to look for are slower growth than normal, twig dieback, growth than normal, twig dieback, premature fall color, and heavy seed premature fall color, and heavy seed set.set.

Nutrient DeficienciesNutrient Deficiencies The pH of soil is often the cause of The pH of soil is often the cause of

nutrient deficiencies.nutrient deficiencies. Extremes of pH in soils often restrict the Extremes of pH in soils often restrict the

ability of some plants to absorb ability of some plants to absorb micronutrients.micronutrients.

Chlorosis is a yellowing of leaves caused Chlorosis is a yellowing of leaves caused by the absence of chlorophyll. by the absence of chlorophyll.

It is often seen in some plants grown in It is often seen in some plants grown in high pH soils.high pH soils.

When to FertilizeWhen to Fertilize

Spring – BestSpring – Best FallFall

SpringSpring

Fertilizer applications in the spring Fertilizer applications in the spring provide the plants with nutrients provide the plants with nutrients when energy reserves are at their when energy reserves are at their lowest. lowest.

Avoid fertilizer applications after mid-Avoid fertilizer applications after mid-July so that new growth is not July so that new growth is not encouraged at a time when plants encouraged at a time when plants are naturally slowing in preparation are naturally slowing in preparation for winter.for winter.

FallFall

Nutrients applied in the fall are Nutrients applied in the fall are absorbed and stored by the plant.absorbed and stored by the plant.

As the plants begin to grow in the As the plants begin to grow in the following spring, these reserves are following spring, these reserves are called upon.called upon.

How to FertilizeHow to Fertilize

The root zone is the area in which The root zone is the area in which roots are growing. roots are growing.

Most tree roots are found in the top Most tree roots are found in the top two feet of soil and extend one and a two feet of soil and extend one and a half times the width of the tree.half times the width of the tree.

The majority of small feeder roots The majority of small feeder roots are located in the top 12 to 15 are located in the top 12 to 15 inches of soil.inches of soil.

How to FertilizeHow to Fertilize

The tree depends on these roots for The tree depends on these roots for absorption of water and nutrients.absorption of water and nutrients.

Up to 60 percent of these feeder Up to 60 percent of these feeder roots are outside the drip line of the roots are outside the drip line of the tree.tree.

Methods for FertilizingMethods for Fertilizing

Dry fertilizer in holesDry fertilizer in holes–This method involves placing dry This method involves placing dry

fertilizer in the root zone of the plant.fertilizer in the root zone of the plant.

–Dry fertilizers are most often sold in Dry fertilizers are most often sold in granular form.granular form.

–In this method a series of holes 2-3 In this method a series of holes 2-3 inches in diameter are made in the soil inches in diameter are made in the soil using an auger or punch bar.using an auger or punch bar.

Dry FertilizerDry Fertilizer These holes are located under the drip These holes are located under the drip

line of the tree and expand three feet line of the tree and expand three feet beyond the drip line. beyond the drip line.

No holes are made closer than three feet No holes are made closer than three feet to tree trunk in order to avoid damaging to tree trunk in order to avoid damaging the roots.the roots.

The holes are drilled about two feet apart The holes are drilled about two feet apart and 12 to 15 inches deep.and 12 to 15 inches deep.

The dry fertilizer is placed in the holes, The dry fertilizer is placed in the holes, filled with water, and covered with soil.filled with water, and covered with soil.

Dry FertilizerDry Fertilizer

Although this method allows for the Although this method allows for the fertilizer to be evenly distributed, it is fertilizer to be evenly distributed, it is time consuming and labor intensive.time consuming and labor intensive.

Dry fertilizer is also available in the Dry fertilizer is also available in the form of fertilizer spikes.form of fertilizer spikes.

Fertilizer spikes are made of Fertilizer spikes are made of hardened fertilizer that is slowly hardened fertilizer that is slowly released into the soil. released into the soil.

Dry FertilizerDry Fertilizer

They can be hammered into the They can be hammered into the ground, so there is no need to dig ground, so there is no need to dig holes.holes.

However, they are difficult to place However, they are difficult to place below the soil surface and are below the soil surface and are expensive.expensive.

Dry Fertilizer in HolesDry Fertilizer in Holes

Fertilizer MethodsFertilizer Methods

Soluble fertilizer injectionsSoluble fertilizer injections–Soluble fertilizers dissolve easily in Soluble fertilizers dissolve easily in

water, making them able to be pumped water, making them able to be pumped into the ground around the plant. into the ground around the plant.

–A soil needle is pushed into the ground A soil needle is pushed into the ground and a pump forces the solution into the and a pump forces the solution into the root zone. root zone.

Soluble Fertilizer InjectionsSoluble Fertilizer Injections

Advantages include uniform Advantages include uniform distribution of nutrients, ready distribution of nutrients, ready availability of the nutrients, and availability of the nutrients, and reduced labor. reduced labor.

Disadvantages include increased Disadvantages include increased equipment costs, difficulty in equipment costs, difficulty in inserting the needle into heavy clay inserting the needle into heavy clay soils, and increased leaching.soils, and increased leaching.

Fertilizer MethodsFertilizer Methods

Broadcast spreadingBroadcast spreading–Broadcasting involves the wide Broadcasting involves the wide

distribution of material on the surface distribution of material on the surface of the soil.of the soil.

–The fertilizer dissolves and slowly The fertilizer dissolves and slowly works its way into the soil. works its way into the soil.

– It should be applied when foliage is dry It should be applied when foliage is dry and then watered immediately.and then watered immediately.

Fertilizer MethodsFertilizer Methods

Soluble fertilizer sprayingSoluble fertilizer spraying–This method has some use with This method has some use with

smaller landscape plants, but is smaller landscape plants, but is impractical on the larger scale.impractical on the larger scale.

–Soluble fertilizers are sprayed on the Soluble fertilizers are sprayed on the leaves and absorbed through the leaf leaves and absorbed through the leaf tissue.tissue.

Fertilizer MethodsFertilizer Methods Solid fertilizers implanted in trunksSolid fertilizers implanted in trunks

– Fertilizer capsules are solid forms of Fertilizer capsules are solid forms of fertilizer that are implanted in a tree trunk fertilizer that are implanted in a tree trunk after drilling a hole just under the bark.after drilling a hole just under the bark.

– The nutrients dissolve in the sap and move The nutrients dissolve in the sap and move up the tree.up the tree.

– This method is often used in the case of This method is often used in the case of micronutrient deficiencies where the soil pH micronutrient deficiencies where the soil pH cannot be changed without damage to the cannot be changed without damage to the roots.roots.

Fertilizer MethodsFertilizer Methods

Dry fertilizer in holesDry fertilizer in holes Soluble fertilizer injectionsSoluble fertilizer injections Broadcast spreadingBroadcast spreading Soluble fertilizer sprayingSoluble fertilizer spraying Solid fertilizers implanted in tree Solid fertilizers implanted in tree

trunkstrunks

What kind of mulches should be What kind of mulches should be used in the landscape and how used in the landscape and how

should they be applied?should they be applied?

Describe how to select and Describe how to select and apply mulches to the apply mulches to the

landscape.landscape.

MulchingMulching

Mulching is the practice of spreading Mulching is the practice of spreading a material over the surface of the a material over the surface of the soil.soil.

Mulch reduces water loss, prevents Mulch reduces water loss, prevents weed growth, and keeps soil weed growth, and keeps soil temperature uniform.temperature uniform.

In order for mulches to be most In order for mulches to be most effective, it is important to select the effective, it is important to select the correct type and to apply it correctly.correct type and to apply it correctly.

Mulch SelectionMulch Selection

It is important to carefully choose It is important to carefully choose mulches.mulches.

They should be readily available, They should be readily available, easy to apply, and affordable.easy to apply, and affordable.

Also, it is best to use mulches that Also, it is best to use mulches that complement the site and region in complement the site and region in which the landscape is located.which the landscape is located.

There two major types of mulch.There two major types of mulch.

Types of MulchTypes of Mulch

Organic mulches originate from plant Organic mulches originate from plant materials.materials.–Examples include wood chips, Examples include wood chips,

shredded bark, pecan hulls, and pine shredded bark, pecan hulls, and pine needles.needles.

Inorganic mulches come from Inorganic mulches come from sources that were never living.sources that were never living.–Inorganic mulches include marble Inorganic mulches include marble

stones, volcanic rock, and river gravel.stones, volcanic rock, and river gravel.

Mulches and Their Mulches and Their CharacteristicsCharacteristics

Applying MulchesApplying Mulches

Before spreading mulch over the Before spreading mulch over the soil, many landscapers install soil, many landscapers install landscape fabric which reduces landscape fabric which reduces weed growth.weed growth.

Whether landscape fabric is used or Whether landscape fabric is used or not, mulch should be applied to a not, mulch should be applied to a uniform depth of three to four inches uniform depth of three to four inches over the entire area.over the entire area.

Mulching ExampleMulching Example

http://www.stetson.edu/~rhansen/mulch1.html

Review/SummaryReview/Summary

How does the biology of woody plants How does the biology of woody plants influence maintenance practices?influence maintenance practices?

What are some guidelines to consider in What are some guidelines to consider in watering woody landscape plants?watering woody landscape plants?

How should woody landscape plants be How should woody landscape plants be fertilized?fertilized?

What kind of mulches should be used in What kind of mulches should be used in the landscape and how should they be the landscape and how should they be applied?applied?