Category Archives: Lawn Care

Don’t Turn Your Back On Fall Winter Watering

We expect our turf grass to go dormant in the cooler months, but don’t turn your back on Fall Winter watering as the lawn and garden need that moisture. “The month with the fewest wet days in Jacksonville is November, with an average of 5.3 days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation,” according to WeatherSpark.com. “The drier season lasts 8.2 months, from September 27 to June 2.”

We are halfway through our third week of November here in Jacksonville, and it has rained just three times this month, mainly on the 6th & 7th. Then we got a sprinkle on the 12th. In November 2020, it rained several times each week in Jacksonville for a total of 17 times that month. That was a much more favorable set of circumstances. Like a soaker hose, the water is delivered with greater frequency in small regular doses. Nothing is perfect though, as too frequent watering can result in shallow root systems and invite fungus.

“As Jacksonville heads into the driest month of the year in November, the potential for a flash drought will grow without persistent rain in the forecast,” according to News4jax.com. “A flash drought often begins as a small rain deficit in one county and then expands like fire across the landscape. Flash droughts are often accompanied by erratic precipitation over sharply defined geographic areas.” 

Source Garden Health

There is only a slight chance of rain over the next 10 days. And November, along with October, has the clearest skies of the year for Jacksonville. Some days may be overcast without much precipitation ahead of a cold front, which can give us a head fake that we will get rain that never materializes. Rain totals thus far for November are what they were for all of Nov 2020, but when it comes down all at once, the soil doesn’t absorb as much of it as it is lost to stormwater runoff.

“Irrigation frequency will vary based on grass species, rainfall amounts, soil type and amount of compaction, shade presence, geographical location in the state, and, most importantly, by season,” according to the University of Florida. “Irrigation systems should be reset seasonally to reflect the differing water requirements of grasses based on time of year. Ideally, University of Florida guidelines call for watering lawns on an “as-needed” basis. This can be determined by observing the grass for signs of water stress, which indicate that water lost in transpiration is not being replaced and the plant’s needs for water are not being met. The signs that you need to look for are:
• Leaf blades are folded in half lengthwise in an attempt to conserve water.
• The grass takes on a blue-gray tint rather than maintaining a green color.
• Footprints or tire tracks remain visible on the grass long after they are made.”

The Fall season watering is more crucial than Winter, primarily considering higher daily temperatures in Northeast Florida. As seen in the chart by Meyers and Horn, Florida Turf Growers, our St Augustine turfgrass requires a greater frequency of rain or watering in Fall than Spring. Measured in Gainesville the St Augustine grass can go 3-9 days between watering in Spring and only 2-8 days in Fall.

Source University of Florida

Obviously, our flower beds, landscape plants, and garden will need rain or regular Fall Winter watering. Drought conditions cause plant stress. “Without periodic rains or irrigation, your plants will stop producing fruit and will drop any fruit they have already produced,” according to UF Gardening Solutions. “Remember, most Florida soils drain easily and don’t retain water. Adding organic matter to the soil will help the soil retain moisture, conserving you water and saving you effort.”

Earth Works recommends keeping your turf, landscape, and garden healthy with at least two rain or watering events per week while abiding by local watering restrictions. Contact Chad Lakin, Earth Works Lawn Maintenance Operations Manager, with your specific lawn care questions at 904-996-0712 and get a free quote for your lawn care.

Earth Works operates a retail Garden Center/Plant Nursery in Jacksonville and provides landscaping, hardscaping, water features, lawn care service, lawn spraying, and drainage solutions. Contact us with your questions and to book design consultations.

We proudly serve clients in Northeast Florida, including Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra Beach, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Nocatee, St. Johns, Fleming Island, Orange Park, Middleburg, Green Cove Springs, Amelia Island, Fernandina, and St. Augustine.

Soggy Yard Problems and Fixes for Northeast Florida

Flooding, erosion of topsoil, uprooted trees, and fungal diseases are soggy yard problems Earth Works strives to fix for Northeast Florida residents. Jacksonville’s June rainfall totals are below average, according to the National Weather Service. Still, some Northeast Florida neighborhoods have experienced torrential rain with flash floods complicated by drainage problems. “Several streets in Jacksonville were flooded Sunday as a severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Duval County, followed by a flash flood warning,” according to News4Jax.com. “Just before 6:30 p.m., the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reported that Roosevelt Boulevard was closed at Edgewood Avenue due to flooding. Shortly after 5 p.m., there was flooding at Bay and Main streets in downtown Jacksonville. The National Weather Service Jacksonville said it appeared that at least 3-6 inches had collected on the roads at that intersection.”

Drainage Fixes:
Jacksonville was experiencing drought conditions in May that, when followed by excessive rain, cause an increased rate of erosion. Addressing flood waters and soil erosion on your property requires properly engineered drainage solutions for your impervious surfaces, including roofs, driveways, decks, patios, and water gardens. Fundamentally, drainage is removing water from an area. However, stormwater regulations developed to protect the environment and prevent flooding restrict the percent of your property that can be built upon with impervious structures and the extent of required onsite stormwater storage. Allowable drainage systems include gutters, French drains, channel drains, swales, permeable paving material, and storm drains. Earth Works landscape designers regularly consult with clients to fix these soggy yard problems that meet stormwater requirements.

Also, while monitoring the amount of rainfall in your lawn and garden, consider cutting back your lawn watering schedule and adjusting your sprinkler timer accordingly.

 

Tree Staking:
Tree damage is one of the principal soggy yard problems. Tree staking protects newly planted tall trees from excessive rain that softens their roots grip while preventing wind from blowing them over, resulting in tree and property damage. Six months to one year is the typical time recommended for staking newly planted trees such as palms and other tall, heavy trees. While most plants don’t require staking, even naysayers must admit that tomato plants can benefit from staking. Earth Works Landscaping division stakes large trees for its clients and the garden center stocks staking kits.

Fungus:
Fungal treatments become necessary as the fungus is one of the prime soggy yard problems. We see powdery & downy mildew, black spot, brown patch, leaf spot, and a blight on vegetable plants, fruit trees, shrubs, ornamentals, shade trees, and lawns. Bonide Copper Fungicide and Neem oil are both approved for organic gardening and are available at the garden center. Additionally, the Earth Works Lawn Care division can diagnose and treat fungus in your lawn. Turf fertilization, disease, weed, and pest control INSTANT QUOTES are available.

Plus, remember that for comprehensive solutions to your specific lawn, garden and landscaping need contact Earth Works of Jacksonville online and at 904-996-0712. Earth Works operates a retail Garden Center/Plant Nursery in Jacksonville and provides landscaping, hardscaping, water features, lawn care service, lawn spraying, and drainage solutions.
Proudly serving clients in Northeast Florida including Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra Beach, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Nocatee, St. Johns, Fleming Island, Orange Park,  Middleburg, Green Cove Springs, Amelia Island, Fernandina, and St. Augustine.
Happy Gardening!

Hurricane Season Landscape Preparation

Hurricane season landscape preparation is crucial as it begins on June 1 and lasts until November 30. Each year Floridians face the potential of fall out from tropical storms and full-blown hurricanes. While hurricanes are uncommon in June, there have been tropical storms that were significant rain events, such as Tropical Storm Debby in June 2012, contributing more than half of that months’ 20-inch rainfall totals for Jacksonville. Hurricane seasons such as we are seeing in 2022 have no hurricanes affecting Florida until late September when the season heated up. Please pay attention to the needs of newly planted trees whose root system may not be fully established and do best when staked to prevent them from toppling over during periods of soggy soil and or with high winds.

Older trees may need pruning to reduce the risk to structures and power lines from overhanging limbs. In addition, we benefit from removing dead, diseased, cracked, and broken limbs at risk of falling during high wind events and hurricanes. Depending on the types of trees in the landscape, some are at greater risk of attracting lighting, with those struck most often being oak, pine, and palms. When hit, the tree will attempt to repair itself but should be monitored over some months that ultimately may require that the damaged tree be pruned or removed entirely.

When combined with saturated soil, tree species with shallow roots and large canopies are at higher risk of coming down during high wind and rain events. Younger trees planted that may still be staked or within several years of planting are not without risk during storms as their root systems may still be inadequate to protect against extreme wind and rain and at serious risk of falling. They can likewise be badly damaged in such events where the roots become ajar, exposed, or damaged. If you’ve planted a sizable tree in recent months and not yet protected it from wind damage with a staking kit, it is good to consider purchasing one and installing it. 

Though tragic, it is hardly a surprise when we see news coverage of a limb or large tree that fell into a home or crushed a vehicle during high wind and rain. However, regardless of the conditions of our trees, when faced with an impending storm event, it is best to assess the situation, be aware of our surroundings, especially overhead, and take necessary precautions to protect ourselves, friends, and family.

A licensed arborist can provide a professional assessment of what needs to be done to protect the specific trees in the landscape before and after the hurricane season. Earth Works Jax Lawn Care & Pest Control Service offers treatment programs to keep clients’ trees, lawn, and garden healthy throughout the year. The Earth Works Garden Center provides a variety of trees that do well in Northeast Florida weather, including oak, magnolia, crape myrtle, and a wide variety of palms. Our knowledgeable garden center staff and landscape designers are here to help with your hurricane season landscape preparation. 

For comprehensive solutions to your specific lawn, garden and landscaping need contact Earth Works of Jacksonville online and at 904-996-0712. Earth Works operates a retail Garden Center/Plant Nursery in Jacksonville and provides landscaping, hardscaping, water features, lawn care service, lawn spraying, and drainage solutions.
Proudly serving clients in Northeast Florida including Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra Beach, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Nocatee, St. Johns, Fleming Island, Orange Park,  Middleburg, Green Cove Springs, Amelia Island, Fernandina, and St. Augustine.
Happy Gardening!

Brown Palm Frond Tips & Other Palm Problems

Brown palm frond tips, called “frizzle top” on new growth, are a cause for concern for newly planted palm species. Palms depending on size, are often pricey and a prized addition to a homeowners landscape plant collection. As popular palm species originate in all sorts of environments, from deserts to river banks and rainforests, keeping a thriving palm collection requires some knowledge of their specific variety requirements. The slow growth rate in palms coincides with an equally slow display of outward signs problems such as brown palm frond tips. For your palm to flourish it needs the right climate, water, and nutrition free of disease otherwise brown palm frond tips and other problems appear.

When planting your palm, make sure the root ball is placed at the surface or slightly above, not completed buried. Burying the rootball too deep can result in water and iron deficiencies in the palm and brown palm frond tips. In addition, the amount of sun they receive and climate is essential to your palm’s long-term health. Some palms prefer direct sun, others indirect sunlight. High humidity is typically preferred but not something you can only control for container palms indoors.

Too much and too little watering will cause brown palm frond tips. Typically palms prefer moist, well-draining soil. Too much water in poorly draining soil can cause root rot, whereas too little water in sandy soil can also harm your palm. Know the specific requirements of your palm as some such as the Everglades palms and mangrove fan palms grow naturally along river banks and water bodies. In contrast, Bismarck’s palms are extremely drought tolerant doing well in dry heat, desert-like conditions.

Sandy Northeast Florida soil is susceptible to mineral deficiencies negatively impacting palms. These minerals include boron, calcium, iron, magnesium, nitrogen, and potassium. “Magnesium deficiency is very common on highly leached soils in Florida, Hawaii, and other tropical areas,” according to the University of Florida. “It can also occur in container-grown palms if dolomitic limestone has not been added to the substrate. Also, since palms may remain in a container for up to a year or longer, any added dolomite is usually exhausted after six months or so with Mg deficiency symptoms becoming visible as a result. Most species of palms are susceptible to Mg deficiency to some degree, but Phoenix canariensis is by far the most susceptible species to this disorder.

Temperature, pH and certain soil amendments in the soil can result in a deficiency of magnesium that also resultw in frizzle top systems in a variety of palms in Northeast Florida. “Manganese deficiency is very common on alkaline soils, but can occur in containers if drainage is poor or soil temperatures are cool,” according to the University of Florida. “Most species of palms can be affected, but Syagrus romanzoffiana (queen palm), Roystonea regia, (royal palm), Acoelorrhaphe wrightii (paurotis palm), Phoenix roebelenii (pygmy date palm), and Elaeis guineensis (African oil palm) are particularly susceptible.”

Review our fertilizing palms video for specific nutritional tips.

Pests including weevils & root rot are often associated with increased stress in newly planted palms. However, in most scenarios, the pruning of your palm should remain the same whether it is healthy or not, considering the plant redirects nutrition from diminishing fronds to elsewhere in the plant. Review our palm pruning video for specific directions on proper palm pruning.

Earth Works has a variety of palm nutritional products and fungicides that will benefit their health. To diagnose the specific cause of brown palm frond tips and other palm problems, take pictures and contact your helpful Earth Works garden center staff.

Plus, remember that for comprehensive solutions to your specific lawn, garden and landscaping need contact Earth Works of Jacksonville online and at 904-996-0712.
Earth Works operates a retail Garden Center/Plant Nursery in Jacksonville and provides landscaping, hardscaping, water features, lawn care service, lawn spraying, and drainage solutions.
Proudly serving clients in Northeast Florida including Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra Beach, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Nocatee, St. Johns, Fleming Island, Orange Park,  Middleburg, Green Cove Springs, Amelia Island, Fernandina, and St. Augustine.
Happy Gardening!

 

Turf Grass Options for Northeast Florida

People ask what kind of grass I should have? What is the best type of grass? The truth is there is no best grass. Certain grasses are better for specific situations. We are here today on our Bermuda grass. Bermuda grass is the most wear tolerant grass you are going to find. Bermuda is also, one of the most drought-tolerant grasses you are going to find. That’s why you see it on athletic fields and golf courses. You can put a lot of traffic on it, and it bounces back and doesn’t wear out. St Augustine would be the exact opposite. It’s the least wear tolerant. There are benefits to St Augustine, and it’s probably the most common grass we use. It’s been around for years, and we’ve used it for years. In our view, St. Augustine is easier to take care of than Bermuda grass.

You can look at ours and see there are a few weeds in here. The good news is you can kill the weeds in Bermuda grass. With Bermuda grass, we use multiple herbicides to control the weeds, and with St Augustine, we only use a few. So it’s easier for homeowners to take care of Bermuda and a little easier to keep up.


Two other types of grass we use would include zoysia grass, which is somewhat in between Bermuda and St. Augustine. Bermuda is a very fine leafed grass, and St. Augustine is a very coarse grass. Zoysia grass is in between with a medium coarseness to the leaf blades. Zoysia is a nice grass, very thick, with a better feel if you are standing on it. Some people, especially from the north, say St. Augustine feels and looks like crabgrass because it is very broadleaf.

Sod options in Northeast Florida

So a little about zoysia grass is that its good grass, but it does take a lot longer to establish. So if you don’t water it well if you don’t take care of it for that first year, it doesn’t get established, and it takes much longer to recover if you have problems with it. Once it’s established, it’s great grass. It’s a bit more wear tolerant than St Augustine and probably a little more drought tolerant, but not in the beginning. In the beginning, it has to be babied and taken care of to get it going.

Sod Options for Northeast Florida
Sod Options for Northeast Florida

So those are the three main types of grass that we use. The fourth one we don’t use as much would be Bahia. Bahiagrass is the most drought tolerant. So Bahia grass is the only one we recommend putting down without irrigation. The other three types of grass you definitely want to put irrigation down with it.

All of the grasses have different varieties. With Bahiagrass, you have two varieties. It’s either Argentine or Pensacola. Argentine Bahia is preferred because it doesn’t get the seed heads. However, the Pensacola Bahia will reseed itself because it does put up a seed head. We used to see the Pensacola Bahia on the roadsides. Then many municipalities switched to Bermuda grass. So it has its uses including overseeding in Winter, and Bahia is a little less expensive as well. As far as the cost of the turf, Bahia is going to be your least expensive, then St. Augustine. Zoysia and Bermuda run about the same price and are going to be your more expensive grasses.


There are mowing differences between the grasses. First, St. Augustine grass is going to be cut the highest. It’s going to be mowed at 3-4″ almost the higher, the better. Next is going to be zoysia grass. It can be maintained at 2-3″. And then your Bermuda grass can be maintained at 1-2″. Bahia should be cut higher up around 3-4″ and closer to the cut length of St. Augustine.


The good news is that Earth Works of Jacksonville can help you out with all these grasses. They are all available. We take care of them. So you don’t have to sweat it. We can come out, mow it. We can treat it, take care of bugs, and take care of weeds. That’s what we are here for. We are here to help you make it easy. And we can keep you having a beautiful lawn.

For comprehensive solutions to your specific lawn, garden and landscaping need contact Earth Works of Jacksonville online and at 904-996-0712.
Earth Works operates a retail Garden Center/Plant Nursery in Jacksonville and provides landscaping, hardscaping, water features, lawn care service, lawn spraying, and drainage solutions.
Proudly serving clients in Northeast Florida including Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra Beach, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Nocatee, St. Johns, Fleming Island, Orange Park,  Middleburg, Green Cove Springs, Amelia Island, Fernandina, and St. Augustine.
Happy Gardening!

 

What are the Pros and Cons of Crape Myrtle Pruning?

First of all, it is useful to consider the “Four Ds”  of pruning, which are prune when plants are,  “dead, diseased, damaged, and dangerous”.  Yet, we also prune trees for a variety of other reasons such as general appearance or to deal with their having been planted in a location where they may grow too close to a window or under a power line. So what do we do about crape myrtle pruning?

Specific to crape myrtles know that they are deciduous trees that do well without pruning. Yet, as a popular landscape plant they regularly come under assault from loping shears and pruners. Proper crape myrtle pruning is best done as a consistent cultural practice of modest trimming over the lifetime of these beautiful heavy blooming trees.

Pros include:
-Crape Myrtles bloom on new growth stimulated by pruning.
-Thinning out crossing limbs in the center of the crape myrtle improves light and airflow within the canopy.
-Low lying limbs can be a hazard in the landscape and roadways that warrant pruning.
-Pruning crape myrtles can improve their appearance.

Cons include:
-When mature thick trunked crape myrtles are topped the thin new growth may not be able to support their sizable blooms. This is called “crape murder.”
-Excessive trimming increases the crape myrtles risk from diseases and pests.

Limited pruning over the life of a crape myrtle reduces the possibility of them becoming crisscrossing branched thickets susceptible to disease that pokes out eyes and grows into the path of road traffic.

Take your yard to the next level with Earth Works’ comprehensive lawn care services. Get an instant quote from Earth Works to take care of the crape myrtle pruning and all your lawn care needs!

And remember that for comprehensive solutions to your specific lawn, garden and landscaping needs contact Earth Works of Jacksonville online and at 904-996-0712.

Earth Works operates a retail Garden Center/Plant Nursery in Jacksonville and provides landscaping, hardscaping, water features, lawn care service, lawn spraying, and drainage solutions.
Earth Works proudly serves clients in Northeast Florida, including Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra Beach, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Nocatee, St. Johns, Fleming Island, Orange Park, Middleburg, Green Cove Springs, Amelia Island, Fernandina, and St. Augustine.


Happy Gardening!

When Is the Best Time for Rose Pruning In North Florida?

There are many types and varieties of roses available at Earth Works for your North Florida landscape that have unique care requirements. Drift roses, knockouts, hybrid teas, miniatures, bush and climbing roses are among the types of this popular shrub that we encounter. Once your roses are established though as a general rule we follow the University of Florida recommendation that your rose pruning is done for North Florida in the late winter months of January and February as their leaf buds begin to swell and break dormancy.

The key benefits of properly timed rose pruning include encouraging disease-free healthy growth and appearance, new growth, and better blooms. As with other plant varieties, pruning can be done any time of year to address dead, diseased, damaged, or dangerous growth.

Don’t fret or fear pruning incorrectly as it is better to have pruned your roses back than not at all as they are resilient, but unkept potentially dead, diseased, or damaged canes are a detriment to their health and others in the rose bed. Proper rose pruning includes thinning out crisscrossing rose canes that by pruning increases air circulation and sunlight penetration, which encourages photosynthesis, and reduces moisture on leaf surfaces that are an invitation for pests and disease.

As a general rule with plant shape in mind, cut rose canes back 1/3 to 1/2 making clean cuts at a 45-degree angle with sterilized pruning shears directly above the bud eye where new branching occurs. Likewise, cut out suckers that arise from rootstock and remove accumulated debris at the plant base. Then in February resume your monthly fertilization schedule for a bountiful season of beautiful rose blooms. For more specific rose variety information visit and speak with an Earth Works garden guide at our Jacksonville garden center.

And remember that for comprehensive solutions to your specific lawn, garden and landscaping need contact Earth Works of Jacksonville online and at 904-996-0712. Earth Works operates a retail Garden Center/Plant Nursery in Jacksonville and provides landscaping, hardscaping, water features, lawn care service, lawn spraying, and drainage solutions. Earth Works proudly serves clients in Northeast Florida, including Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra Beach, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Nocatee, St. Johns, Fleming Island, Orange Park, Middleburg, Green Cove Springs, Amelia Island, Fernandina, and St. Augustine.

Rose Pruning

The Benefits of Winter Mulching in NE Florida

We all know mulch serves as a decorative landscape accent and weed block during the growing season. But did you know that mulch is also beneficial in the landscape to protect Florida plants from the freezing temperatures of Winter?

In addition to looking great the purpose of Winter Mulching is primarily to protect your plant’s root systems from exposure during freezing temperatures. Picking the proper mulch for your winter mulching needs and using appropriately is key to maintaining healthy plants in your Florida landscape.

The products we recommend for winter mulching:

Pine straw – a good lightweight mulch choice for flower and vegetable beds and around shrubs.
Pine Bark chips – Decomposes slowly and is available in chipped and shredded form. Avoid those made from pressure-treated wood.
Cypress mulch – Used year-round particularly as decorative border material in flowerbeds. Cypress mulch should be rotated out of beds every few years due to excessive compacting and fungus buildup.

You may also use raked up leaves from various trees as mulch material, which is a good alternative with composting value, returning nutrients into the soil.

When applying mulch around trees and shrubs leave a mulch-free zone of a few inches around the trunks. For winterizing mulch we recommend to use up to six inches of pine straw and 2-4 inches for the heavier, more compactable pine barks and cypress mulches.

Don’t Forget:
Many of our non-native plants such as tropicals require foliage to be protected from frost by using frost cloth or bringing potted plants indoors. Potted plants likewise require special attention as the soil in the pot can be at greater risk of freezing than if planted in the ground.

One More TIP:
Over mulching around deciduous plants (those that drop leaves seasonally) may concentrate too much warmth and trigger a break in their dormancy cycle stimulating new growth that becomes stressed with ongoing cold weather.

Lawn Care Tips – August: The Gift & Curse of Rainy Season

 

When it comes to our lawns all the rain we’ve been experiencing here in Northeast Florida has its pros and cons. First the good news, the regular rains have provided relief keeping the oppressive heat from drying out our grass and thus keeping the chinch bugs at bay. The bad news, persistent moist lawns have invited in the tropical sod webworms (Herpetogramma phaeopteralis Guenée)! They arrived early and have been wreaking havoc on our lawns for the last four months! There are several other species of webworms that also cause damage, but the tropical varieties have become a prevalent threat to the Northeast Florida lawns this year. The dingy gray triangular-shaped moths fluttering up from our feet while walking through the sod is the most obvious clue you have a problem requiring your immediate attention. While we cannot prevent them from flying in from neighboring lawns we should be looking and listening for their caterpillar larval stage feasting on the sod at night.

Unlike chinch bugs that eat the entire plant the sod webworms feast only on the sod leaf blades, but unchecked can do tremendous damage leaving behind large brown patches during infestations. Furthermore, don’t make the mistake of thinking winter cold will take care of the problem it may not be cold enough and the health of the untreated sod may be worse come Spring.

Treatments include Bacillus thuringiensis, a beneficial bacterium sold under several brands at Earth Works Garden Center. Homeowners may also choose the parathyroid insecticide bifenthrin either as a liquid or in combination with fertilizers such as Scotts Summerguard Lawn Food with Insect Control

For help addressing your specific lawn and lawn pest control needs to contact me Chad Lakin for a FREE Lawn Maintenance & Lawn Pest Control Quote: 996-0712

Lawn Care Tips – Pest Control: Silverleaf Whiteflies

Silverleaf Whiteflies are not actually flies but distant relatives of aphids and leafhoppers. And like aphids, whiteflies feed on plant sap and produce a sugary waste product called honeydew. Whiteflies cause damage in a variety of ways by eating the plant, as a result of their sugary excretions, and by spreading viruses. The most common genus and species were Bemisia Tabaci believed to have originated in India or the Middle East and identified in the United States dating back to 1896. In the 1980s another biotype, Bemisia Argentifolii began attacking Florida farms, poinsettias, tomatoes, and other fruits and vegetables. Within five years this biotype had spread to Texas and California costing over a billion dollars in agricultural loss.

Scientists have found a variety of effective biological and chemical controls along with cultural practice recommendations for reducing the threat of whiteflies. A couple of options we stock at Earth Works are either a broad spectrum or systemic insecticide from Ferti•lome.

Whiteflies once considered a minor pest have become a major problem for agriculture and may pop up in your garden.

For help addressing your specific lawn and lawn pest control needs contact Chad Lakin, Lawn Maintenance & Lawn Pest Control operations manager for a FREE Lawn Maintenance & Lawn Pest Control Quote: 904-996-0712.

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