tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42609366311494659452024-02-20T06:43:02.033-05:00Beyond the Bark: Florida HorticultureTree and Landscape news for Central FloridaKen Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16555241766305896855noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4260936631149465945.post-70029575864473964212013-03-13T14:04:00.000-04:002013-03-13T14:04:34.213-04:00<h2>
Spring is Here</h2>
We have had a very early Spring this year (2013) and the trees and plants are showing it. The trees have budded or bloomed months earlier than normal and pollen sufferers are feeling it. Tent caterpillars are everywhere and the lubber grasshoppers are out and feeding. Now is a good time to "feed" your trees and aerate the ground if necessary. If you have blooming trees or shrubs, fertilize them after the flowering is finished. If you had twig borer damage last year to your Maples, Redbuds, or even Oaks, now is a good time to treat preventatively. Don't forget to pickup and remove the leaf and twig litter underneath these trees. Sanitation is a good way to help remove the eggs left behind.<br />
Trees are Good. Remember to keep looking up. Ken Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16555241766305896855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4260936631149465945.post-84627243910320849962012-10-11T12:15:00.001-04:002012-10-11T12:15:44.128-04:00FallThe calendar says October, but it still feels like summer. Hurricane season has been good to us this season again. Twig borers were bad this year as was Oak tree mortality through diseases and heavy rainfall. Continued care should be taken on all Palm trees as they are vulnerable to diseases and nutritional deficiencies.Ken Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16555241766305896855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4260936631149465945.post-37949140027810607202012-03-16T22:36:00.000-04:002012-03-16T22:36:25.223-04:00Spring has SprungWinter is gone and Spring is here. Be careful though, it will be gone in the blink of an eye and Summer will bear done on us with vengeance, so enjoy these cool mornings and pleasant afternoons.<br />
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They're everywhere, they're everywhere. Caterpillars are invading the trees and Lubbers are already hatching, so be on the lookout for chewed leaves and webbing in the trees. Mature trees can handle most outbreaks, but young trees can defoliate with some degree of harm. <br />
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Laurel and other Oak trees have tasseled and are putting out new growth, but the Live Oaks are just now dropping their leaves. One more month of sneezing and watering eyes for those who suffer. <br />
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Mistletoe can still be easily seen now and should be removed if possible. Moss should be treated now if so desired. Remember, moss is not a parasite and does not feed on the tree.Ken Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16555241766305896855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4260936631149465945.post-82784776206228342752011-11-01T18:15:00.000-04:002011-11-01T18:15:42.557-04:00FallFall is finally here and I for one am enjoying the cooler weather and the seasonal change. Yes, we do have trees that show us that summer is over. The Sycamores, Sweetgum, and American Elms are already losing their leaves and if you're fortunate enough to have a Maple, then you hopefully had some nice color already. Not too many insects this time of year that infest the tree catagory, but we will update you soon on some of the Palm diseases that you need to be aware of. It has been a light hurricane season, but still be mindful of tree limbs touching the house.Ken Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16555241766305896855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4260936631149465945.post-27182624003841208992011-08-28T14:42:00.000-04:002011-08-28T14:42:03.070-04:00Are You Ready?Now that hurricane season is here and confirmed with the passing of Irene, it is imperative to make sure your shade trees are healthy and prepared. Urban trees give us aesthetic value along with a cooler environment, but if diseased or injured, can be a liability and accident waiting to happen. It is prudent to have an inspection made once a year to evaluate the care needed for your trees. Call us for an appointment. Ken Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16555241766305896855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4260936631149465945.post-54060494965747970942011-08-07T20:07:00.000-04:002011-08-07T20:07:50.453-04:00Friend or FoeBe on the lookout for silk webbing on the bark of Oak Trees. This is evidence of the <em>psocid </em>or bark lice and they do not harm the tree, in fact they help clean the tree of lichen, pollen, and fungi. It is a seasonal occurrence and the webbing can be removed with a garden hose and water if found aesthetically displeasing.Ken Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16555241766305896855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4260936631149465945.post-32302271409927644682011-06-25T17:08:00.000-04:002011-06-25T17:08:53.060-04:00SummertimeSummertime is here with warm nights, hot days, and the rainy season. The usual Spring draught caused routine damage to plants and trees with turgrass showing the worst for wear. We have seen Pine trees stressed to the point that Borer beetles have attacked and warranted treatments and removals. With the start of hurricane season, now is the time to evaluate the condition of your trees and trim, treat, or remove potential problems. Call us if you need that consultation.<br />
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The city of Tampa has recently implemented their non scientific fertilizer restrictions as did Pinellas County 2 years ago, so be on the look out as it starts next year. Hillsborough County did their homework and are in line with the State of Florida in terms of water quality and fertilizer regulations. PHS has a solid fertilizer program to fit each requirement utilizing more organic type products and longer residual Nitrogens. Contact Greg or Michele to find out how you can stay in compliance and still maintain a beautiful lawn.<br />
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Which brings me to that exciting news I spoke of earlier. Greg and Michele Deiser are the newest additions to Professional Horticultural Services although they are certainly not new to the industry. They will be running the Turf and Ornamental side of the business allowing me to concentrate more on the Arborist end. They will also be growing the residential customer segment, so tell your friends, look at the website and give them a call. Ken Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16555241766305896855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4260936631149465945.post-83157212154941353642011-04-13T21:43:00.000-04:002011-04-13T21:43:09.795-04:00Early Summer came earlyWell, the temperatures say it's June, but the calendar says April. Most all the plants and grass love it, but the humans are saying "wait one more month". We are seeing the caterpillars, in the Oak Trees, come and go along with other plant loving Lepidoptera. The Lubber grasshoppers are in their immature stage, so treat early and treat often. An early out break of Box Elders are appearing everywhere, but remember, they are not a big problem for plants, just a nuisance for people.<br />
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We here at Professional Horticultural Services are excited about some good news that we will be sharing soon. Keep posted and Happy GardeningKen Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16555241766305896855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4260936631149465945.post-46723280629307215222011-03-02T22:21:00.000-05:002011-03-02T22:21:26.833-05:00Spring Already?Spring comes around fast in the Tampa Bay area, as it seems like just a few weeks ago we had freezing temperatures and brown landscapes. Now with 70+ degree weather and ample rainfall in January, it looks like Spring has sprung. You can now cut back your cold damaged plants, if you haven't already, but don't remove that "dead" plant just yet. Some of our more tropical plants die back severely, but can come back to life. If you're not sure, wait a few more weeks, time can save money. <br />
Now is a great time to fertilize the landscape and treat the turfgrass for weeds. Insects are not a big problem yet, in the turf, but keep vigilant. Some of the waxy leaf shrubs are coming out of the Winter with scale insects and be on the lookout for caterpillars as the new flush of foliage, on other plants, is like candy to my grandkids.<br />
This time of year is perfect for tree evaluations because you are able to see any mistletoe that needs removed, spot misguided branches, and monitor the new growth.<br />
For most of us, we still have 2 days per week watering allowance and the landscape surely needs it now, so calibrate your system properly for the 1/2 to 3/4 inch of water per event, check the efficiency often, and don't waste our precious commodity.<br />
Remember to cut your grass as high as your mower will allow, as this promotes deeper roots and will give you a thicker, healthier lawn.<br />
Enjoy this "Chamber of Commerce" weather and Happy Gardening Ken Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16555241766305896855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4260936631149465945.post-12905561749546316092010-12-26T22:45:00.000-05:002010-12-26T22:45:45.457-05:00Winter News<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Winter has now arrived and thankfully it was a mild hurricane season with no serious storms touching <state><place>Florida</place></state>. Now we have to watch for frost and freeze in regards to our turf and plants. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">By now most turf grass have been treated for weeds for the Fall application. Be forewarned that Atrazine, which has been our herbicide of choice for <city><place>St. Augustine</place></city>, has relatively new restrictions that result in less weed control. Also, we still do not have a viable herbicide to control crabgrass, but there are some pre-emergent herbicides that will help reduce the spread of this grassy weed.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">There are also new laws and regulations forthcoming regarding fertilizers, especially involving Nitrogen and Phosphorous restrictions. Some of these management practices<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>are good and have already been implemented by most professionals; others are another example of micro-management from our over-powering government.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Plants are getting a relief from caterpillars due to the cool weather, but scale insects are on the rise. Do not prune cold damaged plants too soon or remove them thinking that they are dead. Give them time.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">We now offer pre-emergent weed control for plant beds. Give us a call for a free quote.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Winter is a good time to see mistletoe (a true parasite) in the trees as they lose their leaves. It is also a great time to have your Arborist perform a tree evaluation for your property. Give us a call if we can be of assistance.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Cold Hardy Palms are becoming more and more popular with the Mule Palm being a leader in sales. Check with us for specials on our field grown material. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Thank You and Happy Gardening,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Ken Miller</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">813-932-5100</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div>Ken Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16555241766305896855noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4260936631149465945.post-52542546011030777942010-12-23T15:48:00.036-05:002010-12-26T22:47:12.428-05:00Welcome!<a href="http://www.professionalhorticulturalservices.com/">We </a>decided to try a different outlet for our newsletters, and blogging seems to be the most reasonable and user-friendly choice for our clients. Remember to subscribe to our feed (see the box to the right) and get our updates sent directly to your email or Google Reader so that you never have to miss a posting! Thank you for stopping by our blog. Please leave a comment below and tell us what you think of our new format.Ken Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16555241766305896855noreply@blogger.com0