Seasonal Questions

Q. What is a soil test and how do I do it and who do I send my samples to?

A. Soil testing is the fondation of all good lawn/landscape management, click here for the right way to do it.

Q.  What is Dormant Oil and how can it benefit my landscape?

A.  Dormant oil is applied to emerging buds and landscape plants as they move from dormancy to full growth.  The Oil applied is safe to to the enviroment bu harmfull to over winter pests.   Find our more about  click here

Q. How do I overwinter plants here in Ohio?   click here

Q.  How do I read a soil test result?  click here

Q. Since the summer 2007 was on the hottest and rain free for the record books what can I do to improve my current tree and landscape planting? 

A. #1 thing is be sure your plants stay hydrated [watered] well in late fall and early winter.  #2 Deep Root Feeding- by deep root feeding you will increase and re-develope damaged root systems from the summer heat. #3 Dormant pruning will help reduce dead wood issues but will create more growth in spring of 2008.

Q. When should I prune lilacs or other spring flowering shrubs?

A. You should prune them right after they bloom or before July 15.

Q. How long should run my sprinkler to achieve 1" of water on my lawn and landscape?

A. Use a rain gauge to measure the amount applied to the target plants or lawn.  The ONLY way you will know how much water you are applying.

Q. I have web like structures forming on the branches of my crab apples and cherry trees, what are they and what do I do?

A. What you have for this time of the year (June)07 is Fall Tent Catapilar, Even its not fall this insect can cause significant injury to many landscape plants.  Apply any labeled insecticide for control.  DO NOT BURN them with a torch!