Page 13 - Lawn & Landscape Guide AL

Mosquito Control: Mosquitos are still active. Remove all standing water, including old tires, buckets, pet bowls, etc. to help prevent breeding grounds for mosquitos. Gutters are also a great place for mosquitos to congregate. Keeping clean gutters will prevent excess moisture which will deter mosquito breeding. Apply an insecticide with fast knockdown, long residual, and an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) to actually help break the life cycle.
Tree and Shrub Care
Inspection: Always inspect your landscape for insect and disease activity. We are in an ideal
geographical location for both.
Watering: Water 1.5”-2” of precipitation per week is recommended. Remember, do not over-water. If mother nature provides the precipitation, watering may not be needed. Over-watering can quickly cause root rot.
Fertilizer: If your landscape wasn’t fertilized in March, apply up to 1lb of nitrogen per 1000 sqft for mature trees and shrubs. Do not over-apply and water in as needed.
Insect and Disease Control: Control and prevent ornamental pest and diseases by applying a contact insecticide for a quick knock down and a fungicide to control and prevent turf diseases. Common pest this time of the year are scale, aphids, lace bugs, etc. and commonly affected trees and shrubs are Sago Palms, Crepe Myrtles, Indian Hawthorns, and Camelias.
Post-emergent: Carefully apply a non-selective herbicide to control weed in your flower bed space. Spot spray only. Be careful not to get on plants, especially in wind conditions more than 10 mph.
May
Centipede, St. Augustine, & Zoysia
Zoysia: Zoysia is slower to green up in our region. May seems to be the month when it really turns the corner and greens up.
Inspection: If you notice a decline in your lawn’s appearance, such as bare spots or thin areas that quickly appear, dig around the edges of the infected areas and check the roots for ground pearls.
Mowing: With adequate moisture, our warm season grasses are loving the temperatures and are growing like crazy. Continue to raise your mowing heights as the lawns thrive. Remember, to NEVER mow more than 1/3 of the grass blade on each cutting. Centipede 2.75” St. Augustine 3.25” Zoysia 2.75”
Watering: The month of May can typically be a dry one. Be prepared to water your lawn as needed. Make sure your irrigation system is ready to go. (See February) At least 1.5”-2” of precipitation per week is recommended. Water in early morning to maximize the plant effectiveness and better prevent turf diseases. If you have an irrigation system, now is a great time to monitor how well it’s operating. Be sure there are no leaks and you are getting adequate coverage to your entire lawn area.