Below you will find a list of questions that we are often asked along with the answers.
When is the right time to plant Caladium bulbs?
We will be planting Caladium bulbs mid May through the end of May. Your Caladiums will last through early fall.
What are Lace Bugs?
Lace Bugs are a spiny insect that loves to nest in ornamentals and Azaleas. Dormant Oil sprayed in the the winter months can help to detour this insect, however, once they are present it usually requires several applications of a Professional Grade Insecticide to get rid of them.
What are Grub Worms?
Grubs are the immature (larval) stage of beetles. The beetles lay their eggs 1 to 2 inches deep in the soil and the eggs hatch in 2 to 4 weeks. The young grubs begin feeding on grass roots immediately. They grow to full size within 3 to 4 weeks. This is their most daming time to the turf. The grubs move deep in the soil for hibernation just before winter arrives. They come back to the root zone and start eating again in the spring. Easy to see signs:
1. The turf rolls back like carpet. This is because there are no roots left to anchor the turf. For this reason, there is no way for the turf to extract water. The turf will yellow and die quickly.
2. Digging holes may appear over night. This is from skunks, raccoons, armadillos, moles, birds and other varmints. They all love the taste of the juicy little guys.
There are over 60 varieties of white grubs in Texas. The Phyllophaga Crinita is the dominant species in Texas turfgrasses.
What will extend the life cycle of my Seasonal Color plantings?
We do many things to make sure that your Seasonal Color will be vibrant and beautiful for as long as possible. Our installation cost includes fertilizer, fungicide, and insecticide. We monitor your plants for any sign of stress from under or over watering, as well as for signs of disease or pests. We also deadhead and freshen your color through out the season. Many companies will plant your Color at a discounted price, but they do not prepare the beds adequately, nor do the care for your plant through out the growing season.
When should my roses be pruned?
In most cases, roses should be pruned in February.
When is the right time to prune Crape Myrtles, and what is the right technique?
Crapes can benefit from late winter pruning to remove dead, weak, or crossing branches and suckers. But mutilation is not necessary. Over pruning promotes vigorous but weak growth. Pruning should maintain the natural shape of the tree.
Why won't my Bougainvillea bloom, is perhaps the most frequently asked question among Gardners.
Bougainvillea, many say, color best when somewhat pot-bound. Those planted in the garden have plenty of space for roots to stretch, giving you lots of green growth. But eventually it should color.
Most agree that bracts color best when the plants are subjected to dry periods. To force Bougainvillea into bloom for nursery sales, growers often withhold water for up to three months. The poor plant thinks it's dying. Then the grower waters heavily, the plant thinks it has one more last chance to propagate itself, so it produces a volume of flowers to launch seed for future plants.
To encourage flowering: Water and fertilize, but not heavily, during spring and summer. If a plant wilts because it is too dry, give it some water. Use a high-potash fertilizer, such as as Hibiscus fertilizer, rather than a high-nitrogen fertilizer.
As the trees in our yard grow, the St. Augustine grass becomes thinner, and weeds move in. Should we plant a grass that does better in shade? What grass might you suggest that would blend with the St. Augustine?
St. Augustine is touted as one of the more shade-tolerant turfs, but it needs a few hours of sun to remain thick. Some Zoysia varieties are shade-tolerant, but their fine texture differs from St. Augustine's coarse broad blades. There are a number of ground-cover options including Dwarf Mondo, Standard Mondo, Liriope, and Ferns. Eventually you may want to forget a lawn and put in winding paths and large shade beds.
What can I do about grass dying under my tree canopy?
Ground covers are the problem solvers in the garden, plants that can be used in those trouble spots. There is a gallery of ground covers we can use in sun or shade, in moist or dry areas, where St. Augustine won't grow, even under trees with fibrous roots. These plants may be vines allowed to stretch horizontally rather than vertically, shrubs, perennials, or annuals. Ground covers are transition makers. Annual or perennial, herbaceous or woody, they unite other elements in the landscape - trees, shrubs, lawn, pathways and patios. They connect all these landscape dots and your home.
We've heard Bamboo is invasive. Are all types a problem?
There are two types of Bamboo - running and clumping. Running Bamboo spreads rapidly through "running" roots and can cause disputes between neighbors. Clumpers expand only inches per year, in circular fashion; but they can eventually become large, so provide them adequate room to grow.
How does Texas Garden Services address the specific concerns and demands of discerning homeowners.
Our comprehensive, detail oriented approach is unsurpassed in the industry. Texas Garden Services is a full – service landscape company that is capable of meeting all of your landscape needs.
