Garden Report

Happy Spring! We hope everyone is enjoying some warmer weather, as well as the outdoor activities that come along with it. As we begin to get out more we are seeing many changes in our outdoor environment currently. Our lawns and plants are beginning to come out of dormancy and color and growth returning to our landscapes. We have seen some minor impacts from the cool weather we saw during winter, as well as some steps to take this month to get the most out of the growing season.

We have recently passed our soil temperature mark of 65 degrees on a fairly consistent basis. This is an important metric when it comes to plant growth and application timing. Once the soil temperature reaches 65 most of our warm season lawns begin growing and taking in nutrients. Now that we have consistently stayed above that mark, it is getting to the point where it is safe to fertilize.

We recommend applying the most suitable nutrient blend based on the recommendations of soil tests. It is also important to make any necessary adjustments to your pH prior to applying fertilizer. The pH of the soil determines the plant’s ability to take in nutrients. Having a pH that is too high or low will impact the effectiveness of the product.

Along with the positive changes we are seeing in our landscape, we also want to be cautious of the pests that are present. With the change of temperatures and increased rainfall we have been seeing many patches of fungus. Keep your eyes out for discoloration or “dying off” in your lawns especially if it is appearing in circular patterns. Look for yellow and red splotches appearing on grass blades and spreading typically with a strong leading edge. If you are noticing any signs of fungus. We recommend treating with a fungicide, and avoid any fertilization until fungal activity stops.

The frost and cool weather did knock back some of our indigenous and more tropical plants, but most damage should be recoverable. Severely damaged plants such as palms, bottlebrush and tropical plants should be putting on some new growth at this time. Completely brown limbs can be removed to allow room for the new growth. Epsom salt and 8-10-10 fertilizer can be spread around sago palms and other palms/plants to provide additional nutrients for growth. Deep root fertilization can be an effective way to produce new growth and protection as well.

We are nearing the end of the bloom cycle in the Azaleas. After the bloom is a great time to do any pruning or cutting back, as the aggressive new growth is forming. We’ve recently seen new growth on crape myrtles and should have some blooms forming soon.

Keep an eye out for the increased presence of Aphids and White flys as we get into our hotter and more humid weather, repeated applications of insecticides may be needed to keep infestations suppressed. Viburnums typically have the most severe cases of white flies.

As we transition fully into the growing season, a little attention now can go a long way toward a healthy, vibrant landscape all summer long.

Zach Deloach is the owner of Lawn Doctor of Beaufort County.