LAWN TIPS

CRAPE MYRTLE CARE

If you’ve ever seen a crape myrtle chopped down to thick stubs every year… that’s what we call “crape murder.” 😬
And no — despite what you may have heard — they do NOT need to be cut back like that to bloom.

🚫 What is “crape murder”?
It’s when the tree is aggressively topped, cutting back all the main branches to short knobs.

❌ Why it’s actually harmful:
• Causes weak, fast-growing shoots that break easily
• Leads to fewer (not more) blooms over time
• Destroys the tree’s natural shape and beauty
• Makes the tree more susceptible to disease and stress

✅ What we recommend instead:
Crape myrtles should be lightly and selectively pruned, not butchered.
✔ Remove dead or crossing branches
✔ Open up the center for airflow
✔ Maintain the tree’s natural structure
✔ Only reduce size if absolutely necessary — and done properly

Mulch helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weeds — but only when done properly.

❌ Common mistakes:

• Piling mulch against tree trunks (“mulch volcano”)

• Applying too much mulch

• Not refreshing mulch yearly

✅ What we recommend:

✔ Apply 2–3 inches of mulch

✔ Keep mulch away from the base of plants and trees

✔ Refresh mulch as needed to maintain coverage

Proper mulching not only improves the look of your landscape but also supports healthier plants long-term.

📚 Learn more from UF/IFAS:

https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/planting/mulch.html

SEASONAL LAWN CARE IN FLORIDA

STORM PREPARATION TIPS

FERTILIZATION BASICS

PLANTING & INSTALLATION TIPS

Lawn care needs change throughout the year in Northeast Florida.

🌿 Growing Season (April–September):

✔ Weekly mowing is recommended

✔ Faster growth requires more frequent maintenance

✔ Edging and trimming are needed more often

❄️ Cooler Season (October–March):

✔ Grass growth slows down

✔ Biweekly service is typically sufficient

✔ Focus shifts to cleanup and general maintenance

Understanding seasonal changes helps keep your lawn looking its best year-round.

Preparing your property before a storm can help reduce damage and make cleanup easier.

✔ Trim weak or overgrown branches

✔ Remove loose debris from yard

✔ Clear gutters and drainage areas

✔ Secure outdoor items

Taking proactive steps before a storm can protect your landscape and home.

PROPER MOWING HEIGHT

Cutting your lawn too short may seem like it saves time — but it actually causes more problems.

❌ Common mistakes:

• Cutting grass too short (“scalping”)

• Removing too much at once

• Mowing with dull blades

✅ What we recommend:

✔ Follow the 1/3 rule (never remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade)

✔ Keep mower blades sharp for clean cuts

✔ Maintain proper height for your grass type

Proper mowing encourages deeper roots, thicker grass, and fewer weeds.

📚 Learn more from UF/IFAS:

https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/lawns/lawn-care/mowing.html

PALM TREE CARE TIPS

EDGING & LANDSCAPE DETAILING

Fertilizer helps your lawn grow — but too much or improper timing can do more harm than good.

❌ Common mistakes:

• Over-fertilizing

• Applying at the wrong time of year

• Uneven application

✅ What we recommend:

✔ Apply fertilizer based on season and grass type

✔ Follow label directions carefully

✔ Avoid fertilizing during drought stress

Proper fertilization supports healthy growth without damaging your lawn.

📚 Learn more from UF/IFAS:

https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/lawns/lawn-care/fertilizing.html

Palm trees require different care than other landscape plants.

❌ Common mistakes:

• Over-pruning (removing too many fronds)

• Cutting healthy green fronds

• Poor nutrient management

✅ What we recommend:

✔ Only remove dead or brown fronds

✔ Avoid over-trimming

✔ Maintain proper fertilization for palms

Proper care keeps palms healthy, strong, and looking their best.

📚 Learn more from UF/IFAS:

https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/palms-and-cycads/palm-care.html

Proper planting is key to long-term plant health and survival.

❌ Common mistakes:

• Planting too deep

• Not loosening roots before planting

• Poor soil preparation

✅ What we recommend:

✔ Plant at the correct depth (not too deep)

✔ Water thoroughly after planting

✔ Use proper soil and mulch techniques

Correct installation helps plants establish quickly and thrive.

📚 Learn more from UF/IFAS:

https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/planting/

Clean edges make a big difference in the overall appearance of your property.

❌ Common issues:

• Overgrown edges along sidewalks and driveways

• Uneven or messy lines

• Lack of regular maintenance

✅ What we recommend:

✔ Regular edging along all hard surfaces

✔ Maintaining defined bed lines

✔ Consistent upkeep for a clean finish

Sharp edges and clean lines give your property a well-maintained, professional look.

🌸 The truth:
A properly maintained crape myrtle will:
• Bloom beautifully
• Grow stronger each year
• Keep that full, natural canopy everyone loves

💬 If your trees have been “topped” in the past — don’t worry, they can recover with proper care over time.

Want to learn more? Check out guidance from UF/IFAS Extension:
https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/pruning/pruning-crapemyrtles/

MULCHING

**Serving Green Cove Springs, Fleming Island, Orange Park, Middleburg, St. Augustine (WGV) and surrounding Northeast Florida areas