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Landscape FAQ “Mainscape's staff is extremely knowledgeable, professional, accessible, and always willing to go the extra mile to deliver tremendous service.” – Tim Loehr, Owner OMNI management services, Inc.    |
Resources : Landscape FAQ
Frequently Asked QuestionsDoes planting depth matter? Yes, absolutely. If installed below grade (or surface level) most plants will suffocate or drown resulting in failing health and eventual depth. In general plants should be installed with approximately 20% of the root ball above grade. Do not cover the exposed root ball with soil. Instead use a thin layer of mulch (one to two inches thick maximum) to help retain moisture and inhibit weed growth. For a more in depth look at this topic, please see these articles: Planting High What should be done to encourage root regeneration on newly installed Palms? Until recently, it was thought that when palm roots were cut, the roots would die and new roots would grow to replace the old ones. However, recent research has demonstrated that the root regeneration response varies among various palm species. While some species will survive transplanting with a small root ball, some will not. In fact, it is best to secure as large a root ball as possible and practical with any palm, with the exception of the cabbage palm (Sabel palmetto). Roots should be cut no closer than one foot of the trunk. It is also recommended that root pruning should take place six to eight weeks prior to transplanting to allow time for root regeneration. This will prepare the palm for a successful transplantation experience. It is vital that the palm be installed at the same depth as it was in its previous location. Once installed, the root ball and backfill should be kept evenly moist but not saturated. Inadequate rainfall should be supplemented through irrigation during the first six months. A fertilization program to establish the transplanted palm will typically begin with a light surface application of a slow-release "palm special" granular fertilizer. Additional resources:
Transplanting Palms What is meant by “root girdling” and how can it be prevented or remedied? In simplest terms, root girdling is encircled roots at or below the surface of the ground often due to the constraints of the container in which it has been living that tend to strangle the plant. At the time a plant is install into a landscape, it is very important to prune the roots in order to remedy and prevent girdled roots. If steps are not taken at the time of installation, the tree will likely suffer as slow decline and premature death. It will also be susceptible to falling due when wind or storms introduce stress to its weak root system. Root girdling results in a weak support system for the tree. Trees with root girdling often lack trunk flare at the base of the tree where it enters the ground. Additional resources: Roots Girdling the Base of the Trunk What can I do to prepare my landscape so that hurricane impact is minimized? Believe it or not, there are several strategies that can be employed to minimize storm damage by properly planning new landscapes and through strategy maintenance of existing landscapes. Through proper plant selection, site selection, preventative pruning and other proactive landscape maintenance, costly storm damage may be minimized. Additional resources: Landscape Storm Preparation and Dealing with the Aftermath What is Lethal Yellow on Palms and what can be done about it? LY or Lethal Yellowing is also known as Awka Disease, Cape St. Paul Wilt, Kaincope Disease, Kribi Disease, and Pudricion Del Cogollo. Lethal Yellowing (LY) is a plant disease that infects and kills many other ornamental palm species as well as coconut palms. Research has shown that LY is caused by a phytoplasma spread by planthopper type insects like the Myndus crudus. These insects acquire the MLO that causes LY when feeding on diseased palms. When the insect moves to healthy palms to feed, the disease is spread. Additional Resources: Lethal Yellowing of Palm Trees in Florida Are there guidelines regarding the watering of newly installed landscape plants? Yes. Watering is vital for establishing newly planted trees and shrubs. However, over-watering is a common mistake that forces oxygen out of the soil around the roots and can lead to death of a shrubs and trees. A good indication of too much water is yellowing of the foliage that develops first on the inside leaves and progresses to outer leaves. Of course every plant is different, so it is important to find out the correct guidelines for your specific plant. Below are some resources to further assist you with your specific need. Irrigation Management After Planting What’s up with red imported fire ants? Two species of fire ants are found in Florida. Most notorious is Solenopsis invicta Buren, the red imported fire ant (RIFA), followed by the much less common S. geminata (Fabricius), the tropical or native fire ant. Other more common U.S. members of this genus include S. xyloni McCook, the southern fire ant, S. aurea Wheeler, found in western states, and S. richteri Forel, the black imported fire ant, found in southeastern states. There are several treatment strategies available, but none of them provide permanent eradication of the fire menace. Additional resources: Imported Fire Ants on Lawns and Turf |
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