Chandler Creek
CHANDLER CREEK
Chronicle
April 2012
Volume 2, Issue 4
Official Publication of The Chandler Creek Homeowners Association
Landscape Tip of the Month By Rich Caldwell, Vice President, ECO Systems Landscape Services
Now is the time to prepare your lawn for spring. If you have not done so, now is the time to get your pre-emergent weed control applications completed in order to help prevent weeds. Scalp your lawn by about 1/3 to remove some of the brown blades, do not scalp St. Augustine to the ground as this will not be beneficial and will do more harm than good. This will also help to allow the soil to warm up faster. Apply a high nitrogen fertilizer; look for slow release formulas to help feed your lawn. Remember even dormant turf needs to have the roots fed. Avoid using weed and feed products as they have proven not to be as effective and often damage the surrounding tree roots. Now is also the time to top-dress the lawn with compost or enriched top soil. Apply about ¼” depth to your lawn applying to thick may cause problems with the grass. Start to watch for fungus in St. Augustine. The recent heavy rains, cool temperatures not to mention the snow, may lead to fungal growth in turf grasses. Watch for brown/gray patches and discoloration. Identify problem and then choose an appropriate fungicide for acceptable control. Spot spray any remaining weeds in shrub beds and turf areas with
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appropriate herbicides. Once these are dead, the pre-emergent should provide satisfactory control for at least two months. Do not use nonselective herbicides in your turf or you will have dead brown circles. Clean up all the leaves from around the base of your shrubs when doing your perennial cut backs. Shrubs planted in March and April will have a much better chance of surviving the hot summer heat and the watering restrictions. Check and repair your irrigation system. When watering is needed try so soak the soil to a depth of about 4” and allow the soil to “dry out” before watering again. If rainfall is adequate, turn your controller off or install a rain sensor to do it automatically for you as to not waste water. Whether you use leaves, grass clippings or buy mulch from stores, you should always keep at least an inch or two layer of mulch on all your beds to conserve water, maintain soil temperature and discourage weeds. If your leaves have fallen now is the time to get your mulching done.
If you would like more information on your landscape please contact ECOSystems at 512-977-0052 or E-mail at info@austineco.com.
Chandler Creek Chronicle - April 2012
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