FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
We take great pride in offering proper horticultural practices.
Here's why we do what we do (most answers provided by the Missouri Botanical Garden, one of our favorite resources):
Why Aerate?
Benefits of Aeration
The benefits of core aerification include:
- Reducing soil compaction
- Helping control lawn thatch
- Aiding in the infiltration of air, water, and nutrients into the soil
- Encouraging deeper rooting of grass plants
- Helping prevent fertilizer and pesticide runoff
- Providing an ideal site for the introduction of improved varieties of grass in cool-season lawns
- Providing a moist, shaded location that is ideal for grass seed germination in cool-season lawns
Learn More Here - Missouri Botanical Gardens
Why Mulch?
Plants are happy when their root systems are cool and moist!
Ten Benefits of Using Mulch
1) Mulches help control weeds through prevention and slowing of weed seed germination.
2) Mulches regulate soil temperature by providing a layer of insulation over bare soil. How much regulation depends upon the type of mulches and in some cases, its thickness and color. The soil temperature may be either warmer or colder under mulch compared to bare soil.
3) Mulches assist in retention of soil moisture by reducing evaporation at the surface.
4) Mulches reduce soil erosion. A layer of mulch will lessen the impact and run-off of raindrops.
5) Mulches reduce the spread of disease by protecting above-ground plant parts from being splashed with fungal or bacterial inoculums from the soil. It also protects fruits from contacting the soil surface and in so doing, reduces the chance of rot.
6) Though generally in small amounts, most mulches will add some essential elements back into the soil.
7) Mulches improve soil tilth. As organic surface mulches decompose, they work down into the soil to increase air space, moisture retention and nutrient holding capacity.
8) Mulches reduce heaving of soils from frost. By loosening the soil structure, mulches lessen the tension between water molecules that form ice in the subsurface. Soil ice increases pressure which tears plant crowns and roots.
9) Mulches insulate against soil compaction. A cushion of organic materials on the soil surface will reduce the compaction of subsurface soil layers by absorbing the pressure due to traffic.
10) Mulches can improve the appearance of any planting site.
Why should I remove Honeysuckle?
- It's Invasive! Spreading vigorously by roots and seed
- Competes with native plants
- Inhibits seedling establishment and forest regeneration
- Competes with native pollinators
- Fruits are carbohydrate rich, and do not provide migrating birds with proper fat and nutrients they need for long flights
- There are so many other great plants you can use in your landscape
What's the most common cause of newly installed plant failure?
.... Water!
90% of newly installed plant failure is because of improper watering techniques.
Watering Tips:
- Ensure that the root area is getting slowly soaked either by an irrigation system or a hose, at least 3 times a week.
- Trees 15 Minutes
- Shrubs 5 Minutes
- Move mulch away from plants to check soil moisture and adjust watering accordingly.
- Sod may need to be soaked 2 times daily. Keep sod and soil below consistently moist.
Following these tips will promote strong root systems, healthy plants and green lawns!
Let us know if you need help with watering techniques or watering services!
Why use granular weed pre-emergent when mulching?
Pre-emergents can make all the difference in weed control, when applied properly and at the right time.
They inhibit the germination of weed seeds while not effecting established plants.
We apply pre-emergent before mulching to keep your need for weeding maintenance at a minimum throughout the season.
