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Irrigation and Fertilization Maintenance Program

Irrigation And Fertilization Maintenance Program

One of the most critical elements to maintaining your landscape involves a properly functioning irrigation system and a fertilization program that meets the nutrient requirements of your landscape plants.

Fertilization and Irrigation needs for Florida lawns and landscapes please see link

How lawns and landscapes are fertilized and irrigated can have a direct impact on the natural environment.

The basic maintenance of Empire Zoysia lawns will be depended upon soil fertility, rainfall, full Sun and match precipitation irrigation.

Most people do not fertilize their own lawns. They either depend upon mother nature or a professional fertilization company to do the work. Well-maintained lawns are fertilized with the right amount and the right kind of fertilizer for that particular grass species. The fertilization schedule is based on the growing season. In order for the fertilization program to work, the right amount of moisture must be available in the turf root zone.

Under feeding or overfeeding leads to the buildup of thatch and higher stress levels on the turf species.

Water schedule stabilize growing seasons.

Healthy lawns smother weeds. Let’s use of herbicides.

Drip/micro irrigation maintenance aims at preserving emission uniformity and efficiency. This can be achieved by operating the system according to design pressures and flow rates while making regular field inspections, performing necessary preventative measures in a timely manner, and promptly remedying malfunctions.

Evaluate water quality! A laboratory analysis of the source (S) of water is critical.

Adjusting the filtration system is vital to the performance of the irrigation system

Bicarbonate is common in surface and groundwater. Edit pH of 7.5 or higher and bicarbonate concentrations of 2 mEq per liter, the bicarbonate is as susceptible to precipitation as calcium carbonate (lime).

The concentration and composition of dissolved salts in and irrigation water supply can affects soil properties, ultimately affecting growth habit and health of plants.

Development of Irrigation and Fertilization Programs – please see link

MODEL ORDINANCE FOR FLORIDA-FRIENDLY FERTILIZER USE ON URBAN LANDSCAPES – please see link

Nutrient and irrigation management to reduce nonpoint source pollution of surface and ground waters in Florida urban landscapes

Frequently Asked Questions about Landscape Irrigation – please see link

Irrigating with Reclaimed Water

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Zoysia turf in Sarasota and Manatee counties

Zoysia turf in Sarasota

Zoysia turf species were introduced into the United States from Asia and provide attractive turf throughout much of the United States. In recent years, dramatic improvements in Zoysia have been made by turf grass breeders. These improvements include insect resistance, accelerated establishment, and overall performance. Zoysia has been bred to adapt to a variety of soil types and have good tolerance to shade, salt, and traffic. They provide an extremely dense sod that resist weed invasion, that certain pest can be problematic. Zoysia maintenance is very different from other Florida lawn grasses. When improper maintenance practices are followed, undesirable results are likely to occur.

Empire Zoysia is one of the most popular Zoysia turf species in our area. It has a very dense growth habit and maintains a nice green color throughout the year. Empire has performed well in sandy and clay soil types with aggressive growth from it stolons and rhizomes.

Proper fertilization is very important for sustaining a healthy lawn. Empire Zoysia responds better to a “spoon-feeding” fertilizer regimen (smaller quantities applied more frequently) rather than supplying large quantities infrequently. Avoid apply nitrogen fertilizer simply to promote green color. Instead, monitor growth and apply only when the growth rate has dramatically declined. Potassium nutrition also is important and should be applied at rates equal to nitrogen. During excessively rainy periods, potassium may need to be applied more frequently due to its leaching ability.

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Recommended Landscape Maintenance before Hurricane Season Starts

It is recommended that landscape maintenance on trees and palms should be done throughout the year. This includes routine trimming of trees and palms as well as removal of dead limbs and those located too close to the fence, house or a utility line.

Storm Wise Hurricane Kit:

– Garden Hose – in the event you irrigation system is not working due to a power outage
– Pruning Tools
– Ladder
– Tree Stakes/Rebar
– Biodegradable Rope or Strapping Cloth
– Come-along Tool to Write Couple Trees and Shrubs
– Shovel
– Burlap or Blankets to protect expose root balls if you’re unable to securely your landscape immediately; do not use plastic as it – will trap heat
– Sharpened, fueled, gas powered chainsaw
– Hearing and Eye Protection
– Bug Spray and Sunscreen

What to Expect:

Category ONE hurricane:
– winds 74 to 95 mph
– storm surge generally 4 to 5 feet above normal
– newly planted trees may be toppled
– some coastal and in land flooding possible

Category TWO Hurricane:
– winds 96 to 110 mph
– storm surge generally 6 to 8 feet above normal
– considerable damage to storm intolerant species
– coastal and in land flooding possible

Category THREE Hurricane:
– Winds 111 to 130 mph
– storm surge generally 9 to 12 feet above normal
– some large trees blown down
– trees and shrubs growing in saturated soils are more likely to be blown over
– coastal and in land flooding probable

Category FOUR Hurricane:
– winds 131 to 155 mph
– storm surge generally 13 to 18 feet above normal
– many trees and shrubs sustained extensive damage
– large trees uprooted and blown down
– tree crowns are twisted
– coastal and in land flooding probable

Periodically check your landscape throughout the year, cutting back trees and weak branches that could contact buildings. Assess the shape of your trees and shrubs and envision what they should look like before you begin pruning.
Regardless of the species, you should regularly thin foliage to that when can flow freely through the branches of the trees and shrubs, decreasing the chance that they will be uprooted in strong winds. The selective pruning routine should start when the tree is young in order to encourage a well-shaped, wind hardy form.

In addition to the canopy, it is also important to keep the root system of your trees healthy to prevent unnecessary storm damage. Overwatering and over fertilization can lead to weak growth and shallow root systems that easily “pop-up” in wind events, especially if the soil is saturated. Try and encourage your trees, shrubs and palms to develop a deep root system.

Avoid cutting tree roots during construction such as swimming for installation or sidewalk replacement, as it will be stabilize the tree in a high wind event.

Periodically check your swales and drainage systems to ensure that there are not blockages to impede water from flowing away from your property.