Landscape Management Practices Flashcards
What are some environmental factors that affect fertilization practices? Give examples
Time of year, type of soil. pH of soil etc.
What are some different types of fertilizers and when would they be used?
slow release fertilizers, chemical fertilizers, liquid fertilizers.
How would you lower the pH of soil?
To Lower pH means to go more acidic so you would put Sulfur
When is the best time of year to fertilize?
It depends. Spring for new growth and Nitrogen, Late Summer you want to focus on Root growth, so you would apply phosphorous
What are the differences between maintenance fertilization and optimum growth fertilization?
maintenance would be a lower rate done maybe weekly or monthly whereas fertilizing for optimum growth is more targeted depending ont he phase of the plants growth. SUch as applying more phosphorous in winter etc.
Your employee wants you to apply a 12-4-8 fertilizer to Mrs. Jones Landscape. How much would you apply per 1,000 sq. ft?
About 8 lbs.
12/10 = 1.2 for 100 sq ft
What are the three T’s to remember for proper pruning?
Tools: Proper sharpened toll for the job, safety for you and avoids damaging the plant.
Timing: Each plant has an optimized time to plant based o n how and when it flowers.
Technique: Proper technique provides the shape you want and avoids damage to bark and branches.
What is auxin and how does it affect regrowth after pruning?
Auxin is a growth hormone that is sent to the terminal shoots, when those are cut off it allows lateral buds to form increasing thickness.
What is renewal pruning? When and how is it done?
This is done to a shrub that is overgrown to get it to grow in a better shape and make it manageable for it’s space. Before any growth occurs, in early spring, while the plant. isstill dormant it should be cut down to 6-12” from the ground. Not to be done on plants with needles and only every4-5 years to rejuvenate plants.
When should you prune Azaleas? Glossy Abelia? Pines? Crepe Myrtle?
Azaleas: Prune by thinning after the bloom, not needed if plant looks good. Prune back close to ground in February.
Glossy Abelia: Prune in dormancy, this blooms on new growth so pruning at the wrong time will ruin the blooms.
Pines: Thicken growth by removing about 1/2 of the new shoots.
Crepe Myrtle: prune in dormancy, can be done many ways, choose 3-5 good trunks, prune other suckers. Thin and cut dead branches back to secondary branches
How would you prune a large limb from a tree?
Make an partial initial cut under the branch, closer to collar, 2nd cut right on top of the branches distal to 2nd cut on top of branch about 1/2 way through, then 3rd cut right at branch collar parallel to trunk.
How would you prune a bank of shore juniper that has become thick and dense and is beginning to decline?
Do not trim into old growth, it won’t grow back. Thin out no more than 1/3 of the folage. Try to maintain natural shape by thinning overall size of branches.
How should you prune a formal hedge? Why?
Formal hedges should be pruned so it tapers out at the bottom to allow light to get to the lower branches and promote growth all the way down.
What are some advantages of mulches?
Maintains Moisture, Stops soil from developing any crust which allows water. topenetrate. Provides for slow release decay of organic matter. Aids in weed suppresion.
What is the difference between organic and inorganic mulches? Which are best and under what conditions would each be used?
Organic mulches look best and help with the microclimate of the plants. Inorganic mulches such as rock and gravel can be good soil insulators but can re-radiate heat and increase water loss. For this reason they are best used in small, shaded areas.
