Seasonal Tips Spring Use slow release fertilizers. Healthy landscapes, just like healthy bodies, require regular even feeding with the proper nutrition. Many landscapes get the feast or famine approach. This usually leads to unhealthy turf with weeds, insect pests, fungus or disease. Most landscapes need fertilizers that have micro nutrients. Many areas need additional iron and sulfur. Consult a professional in your area or have a soil test preformed. Soil tests are relatively inexpensive.  Healthy landscapes reduce the need for herbicides and insecticides. Aerate the lawn to treat compacted soil Mulch beds with organic matter (such as bark). This reduces moisture loss and keeps roots cool in the summer. Thick (4”) redwood mulch (bark) also helps reduce weeds. Do not place the mulch directly against the stalk or trunk. Sharpen your mower blades at the start of the season Summer Learn the signs of bug infestation, and head them off before they get settled in. Water your lawns deeply and infrequently if possible. Train your landscapes. It is better to have 2 or 3 start cycles to avoid runoff and allow the water to soak in. The deeper the root system, the more tolerant it is to heat. Eliminate weeds and reseed or resod bare spots as soon as you see them Sharpen your mower blade again halfway through the season Increase the mowing height of your turf. Mow Fescue at 3.5 inches to 4 inches. The taller turf helps keep the roots cool and reduces watering Autumn Fertilize your lawn around Thanksgiving to promote strong root growth during winter. Use fertilizers that are higher in phosphorus and potassium. Phosphorus encourages formation of flowers and seed development, maturity, and root growth. It also increases disease resistance and improves the quality of fruit, grain, and root crops as well as making potassium more available. Potassium helps increase disease resistance and promotes strong roots. Decrease the mowing height of turf as the weather cools and the rains start. This helps the turf dry and aids in the prevention of molds, fungus and disease. Winter Apply systemic insecticides to appropriate turf areas and beds in late winter to reduce or prevent spring insect damage. Apply pre emergents to reduce or prevent weeds in the spring. Put burlap windscreens around less hardy plants if they’re in exposed areas.