Monthly Archives: February 2021

How Often Should I Clean Out My Pond?

Earth Works provides quotes for annual winter pond clean out service for Aquascape ecosystem ponds we built and any pond system design whether it was a commercial or DIY constructed pond. Earth Works designs and builds low-maintenance ecosystem ponds that collect the majority of debris in the skimmer basket, but some debris settles to the pond bottom that requires periodic clean out. From our experience with unserviced pond debris buildup for water quality concerns, we recommend an annual winter pond clean out service.

“So we recommend once a year,” Jason Duffney, Earth Works owner said at recent Pond Clean Out Seminar. “That’s what we have found is the secret sauce. Don’t wait beyond three years.” Thus, when contacting Earth Works to schedule a pond clean out our standard quotations are based on annual service of your pond considering its size, equipment configuration and design. Pond clean out pricing increases for ponds that have multiple years of built up muck and debris.

Looks can be deceiving when trying to assess if your pond needs the clean out after year one, two or three. “It may not look that bad,” Glenn Stanza, Earth Works pond clean out specialist said. “You just wait and see how much dirt comes out of that pond (during clean out). The dirt settles, there is going to be sediment in the bottom of that thing. It’s bad. And if you let it go and let it go there is so much dirt in there that the pond can’t handle it. It can’t flush it out.”

Winter is the best time to schedule your annual pond clean out for the health of your pond ecosystem.
‘If you do a clean out like we are doing here in June, July, August, September you have to sign a waiver,” Jason Duffney said. “It’s too hot. We actually think it is very bad to do those clean outs that time of year. It’s just not good for the pond. So, once a year and do it ideally December, January and February are the best months.” As an incentive, Earth Works provides discounts on pond clean outs scheduled during the cooler months for the health of your pond ecosystem and to accommodate your year-long enjoyment.

For your quote to schedule your pond clean out service contact Earth Works Tim Greer at 904-996-0712 extension 212

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.

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.