Mulch Installation

One of the most important ways to suppress weed growth is to have your planting beds prepared and mulched properly prior to the emergence of weeds.  Preparation of the beds starts with the redefinition and edging of bed lines.  At this point the beds are cultivated and any organic material is removed.  The final step is the installation of 2-3” of dark shredded hardwood mulch, which is available in brown, black, red and cedar. 

Ø      Benefits

• Promotes soil conditioning
• Helps prevent and suppress weed growth
• Conserves moisture
• Cools plant roots in the summer and acts as a blanket in the winter
• Proper plant spacing to promote better air circulation, reducing disease potential
• Adds a neat, clean appearance to the landscape

Plant Health Care (PHC) / Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Plant Health Care is a concept that was developed as a natural evolution from Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The IPM philosophy developed as an alternative to pesticide applications based on routine visits, which has been a common practice for pest control for decades.

Sunlight, water, nutrients, and rich soil are the basic needs that keep plants healthy and thriving, allowing them to use their own natural defense systems (instead of pesticide applications) to resist environmental stresses. But, when plants basic needs are not met, they become more susceptible to environmental stresses and pest infestations. 

"Plant Health Care" is a natural systems approach to improving plant health and productivity.

Professionals who adopt the "Plant Health Care" program attempt to create a more natural growing environment for their plants through the use of microbial inoculants, better water and soil management, and the use of biological pest controls.

Ø      The Approach

• Observe site and soil conditions (factors: climate, light, wind, water, soil texture and composition, slope, drainage and physical characteristics)
• Plan the garden design by choosing plants that match site conditions, anticipating the future maintenance needs of the garden or landscape and arranging for practical site alterations
• Prepare the site by making the physical changes, incorporating the hardscape features, and amending the soil, if necessary
• Replace the plants that are prone to disease, insect and vertebrate pests
• A healthy plant, planted correctly in the right location, is more likely to remain healthy, being less susceptible to attack by disease or insects
• Mulch or plant ground covers are used to suppress weed growth
• Proper plant spacing to promote better air circulation, reducing disease potential

Plant Health Care is an ongoing process, just as our garden is a living, growing entity. As plants grow and mature, it is essential that we continue to care for them by feeding, pruning, cultivating, mulching and removing unhealthy plants or plant parts. With the best of care, there will still be occasions when the pest problems occur. This is when we move on to other techniques of IPM.

These techniques include:

·         Scouting for pests

·         Monitoring thresholds

·         Utilizing growing degree days

·         Introducing beneficial organisms

Using an environmentally friendly approach will increase the benefits of your landscape while minimizing the impact on human health and the environment.