___ If you are on the ProScape Lawn Fertilization and Weed Prevention Program for Bermuda and Zoysia lawns now is the time for Application #4, the last application of the year. Apply ProScape 5-5-20 Fall Feed/Winterizer with Barricade Weed Preventer now. If you are not yet on the program now is as good a time as any to start! (Measuring your lawn area(s) for square footage helps to determine the amount of fertilizer necessary for adequate coverage. Measure and then multiply length x width of area(s) to be covered to determine total square footage)

___ If not on the ProTurf Program broadcast Lebanon Team 2G Pre-emergent Weed Preventer over your Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipde or Fescue lawn now to control winter weeds by killing the seeds of these weeds before they germinate. One bag of Team 2G covers 22,000 square feet!! Caution: If you are planning to overseed your Fescue lawn this Fall do not apply pre-emergent weed preventer at this time. SEE: Weed Control in Lawns

___ You may seed or overseed Fescue lawns at this time. Several types of Fescue seed are available. RTF Advantage Fescue is a brand new generation of spreading turf-type Fescue that amazingly self-repairs and does not require overseeding! All studies have shown RTFAdvantage Fescue to be heat and drought tolerant as well as disease and insect resistant. Other Turf-Type Fescues and Ky 31 Fescue are also available. Keep in mind that Ky 31 is best suited for use in pastures and thrives best when cut at 6 inches or higher. Fertilize newly seeded Fescue lawns with a good Lawn Starter. It is best to broadcast fescue seed with a rotary-type walk behind or shoulder spreader. (Measuring your lawn area(s) for square footage helps to determine the amount of seed necessary for adequate coverage. Measure and then multiply length x width of area(s) to be covered to determine total square footage) SEE: Planting a Lawn

___ Apply pelletized lime at this time to Fescue, Bermuda, and Zoysia lawns. Lime is not a fertilizer, however, you may notice after applying it that your lawn greens up quickly. This is due to the correction of the ph, which can unlock and releases fertilzers that have been applied in the past. If you have never applied lime to your lawn, a one-time application of 40 lbs per 500 -1,000 square feet usually corrects soil ph to a level sufficient for these grasses to thrive and for fertilizers applied to activate. Make sure to use pellitized lime as it activates instantly. Once ph is corrected no further applications of lime are necessary for several years. (Measuring your lawn area(s) for square footage helps to determine the amount of lime necessary for adequate coverage. To determine total square footage, measure and then multiply the length x width of area(s) to be covered for total square footage) SEE: ProScape Lawn Fertilization Program for Bermuda & Zoysia Lawns

___ Now is the time to plant Chrysanthemums (Fall Garden Mums). During the month of October a huge selection of perennial Chrysanthemums (mums), in many vibrant shades of yellow, red, pink, purple, orange, white, and bronze, are available at the nursery. Plant these beauties in full sun and then enjoy their return year after year. SEE: Mum Listing

___ Begin planting Pansies and Violas now. Pansies and Violas are the best annual flowers for adding splashes of winter color to the landscape garden or container garden. To refurbish existing flower beds turn in a 1/2 inch coat of ClayCutter Organic Soil Ammendment or simply broadcast Milorganite organic fertilizer and turn in. After planting, fertilize pansies with Pansy Booster and again every 4-6 weeks for best performance. You will also want to broadcast Treflan Granules over your newly planted flower bed to control weeds for the entire season! SEE: Planting an Annual Flowerbed SEE: Pansies and Other Cool Season Annuals

___ Bulbs for Fall planting are available now. Daffodils, Hyacinths, and Tulips are available in a variety of colors. We select only the best varieties for our zone. Our favorite way to plant Daffodil bulbs is to hand-scatter the bulbs along island or woodland borders as if Mother Nature planted them herself. Plant Tulip bulbs beneath your Pansies and watch them put on a spectatcular show when the they rise through the Pansies in Spring! Hyacinths are most impressive when planted in groups/patches. When planting bulbs mix a handful of organic compost or Claycutter Organic Soil Ammendment with the soil dug from each hole before backfilling and then topdress with Bulb Booster. Bulbs bought in October should be kept in the refrigerator until mid to late November when they can safely be planted. Caution: Do not store bulbs in the same compartment of your refrigerator with apples. SEE: Bulb Listing

___ Now is time to winterize your perennial garden. Clip back dead growth and spread mulch to protect plant roots from the colder temperatures that are on the way. CAUTION: DO NOT cut back Lantanas until next spring when the new growth begins to emerge - Fall pruning almost insures death of Lantanas.

___ Plant Fall vegetables this month.

___ Now is a great time to plant perennials. Many Fall blooming perennials are now available such as Phlox, Asters, Salvias, Daisies, Grasses, Sedums, and of course Mums. You'll find great bargain prices on lots of Spring and Summer flowering perennials this time of year at the nursery. SEE: All About Perennials

___ If your crape myrtles have a black mold-like substance on the leaves this indicates the presence of honeydew aphids. These insects hang out on the underside of the leaves during the day and then move to the top of the leaf at night spreading a sticky residue. This residue collects dust and pollution that looks like a black mold. The leaves will be falling off soon as the plant goes into dormancy so don't worry about spraying for these critters now. Next March you can apply bayer Systemic Insect Control to your Crape Myrtles and other various shrubs and trees for year-long systemic insect control. SEE: Disease Control on Plants & Trees

___ Contrary to popular belief, October, and in fact the entire winter season, is a great time to plant most any shrubs,trees, or groundcovers. Winter planting of most dormant shrubs and trees allows them acclimate to their new environment before receiving the huge benefit from an early-Spring root flush, when soil temperatures begin to warm up. There is absoulutely no danger at all from planting most shrubs and trees in October. Our landscapers successfully plant through the entire winter! SEE: Plant Files

___ If you would like to have a landscape design drawn for all or part of your property now is a good time. Visit WilsonBrosLandscape.com or call the nursery to to set up a free appointment. 770-954-9862

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