​To complement your lawn, it is also important to provide proper care to your landscape shrubs.  The quick tips listed  below help your landscape plants look their best.

LAWN & LANDSCAPE TIPS

​​Do  you want a healthier lawn?  There are many components that go into creating a healthy lawn.  Our experienced technicians can take care of the pest management, disease control, and nutrition for your lawn and landscape, but we need your help for the other vital components: Proper mowing, proper watering, and weed control.  The quick tips below provide additional information to help us both meet your desired results. 

​LAWN CARE

​PROPER MOWING

  • HEIGHT - Taller grass not only helps to prevent weeds, it also requires less water.  You should set the height on your mower between 3" an to 4", with the highest settings in shaded areas.
  • SHARP BLADE - A dull blade on your lawn mower will give th grass an unhealthy, "whitish" appearance and encourage disease. The grass should have a clean cut that is not ragged, as torn grass blades weaken the turf.

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PROPER WATERING

  • IRRIGATE DEEPLY (3/4" to 1") twice per week (if watering restrictions permit) in the summer and once in the winter (approximately 45 minutes or more per zone).
  • IRRIGATE EARLY - in the morning as evening irrigation encourages disease.
  • Frequently check the operation of the sprinkler system.


​WEED CONTROL

  • Keep weeds out of flower beds to help prevent them from reaching  your lawn.

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​SHRUB CARE

PROPER WATERING

  • Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses - watering on top of plants can lead to fungus and other diseases.


MULCHING

  • Replace old mulch and leaves one a year - replace with new fresh mulch
  • Do not over-mulch.   Mulch should only be 3" deep - any excess mulch should be removed.  Over-mulching will cause plant roots to rot and die
  • Do not place mulch against or on top of plant trunk, it should be at least 4" away from the base of the plant to prevent rot and disease.  It is common for plants to be over-mulched and smothered.


PRUNING

  • Be sure to use proper pruning techniques.  
    • Excessive pruning should be avoided, as plants need a chance to grow in order to be health.
    • Frequent trimming leads to unhealthy, torn leaves.
    • If a plant must be trimmed frequently, trim at the branch so that healthy, whole branches remain.  

Sterling Pest Management, Inc.

Proudly Serving Tampa Bay since 1988