April

• Apply broadleaf weed herbicide to established turf areas.
• Fungicides to be applied if turf diseases arise. Remove and/or repair any damaged limbs from trees or shrubs that were incurred through winter weather.
• Watering of newly planted trees and shrubs is crucial. Regardless of the season, the first year of a newly planted tree or shrub will require regular soil moisture checks. This can be from once to twice weekly depending upon conditions. Always rake mulch away from the plant’s base to determine the true moisture situation. When watering is required, slow soaking immediately at the base of the plant will be most beneficial.

May

• Apply any pesticide necessary for the control of soil insects no later than the first week of May.
• All early flowering trees and shrubs to be pruned immediately after flowering is completed.
• Inspect trees and shrubs for any insect and disease problems, especially on new trees and shrubs.
• Remove weeds from landscape beds. (Spot spray with a herbicide or remove manually. The herbicide will ensure that the entire weed is killed, including the root.) Also note, when mowing around beds, direct grass clippings away from the beds in order to keep weed seeds out.
• The second fertilizer application is to be made to the turf at this time. Not to exceed 2 Lbs/1000 square feet. Fertilize azaleas, camellias, pieris, dogwood, rhododendron, boxwoods and mahonia with acid fertilizer. Other acid loving plants will be listed on fertilizer package. Fertilize blooming plants after blooming has finished.
• Check turf for diseases, but apply fungicide only if needed.
• Keep watering those newly planted trees and shrubs.
• Prune conifers (Christmas trees, etc). Consult pruning guide.
• Plant annuals: Marigolds, Petunias, Begonias, etc.
• Sharpen blades before mowing lawn areas. Do not cut off more than 1 inch at each mowing.