Resources

Our resources section contains various information that can help you make informed decisions about your landscaping, lawncare and/or grounds maintenance needs. We periodically add new information to this section so that you’ll have access to best practices in our industry.

Please call Brian & Company for more information at 330-633-6713.

Fertilizers

Fertilizers are a complex group of plant nutrients that provide elements which all plants need: Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium. Fertilizer labels indicate the percentage of these elements in the given order. In other words, a fertilizer label reading, “20-10-10” contains 20% Nitrogen, 10% Phosphorus and 10% Potassium by weight. Since Nitrogen is necessary for all plants, there is generally more Nitrogen in fertilizer than other nutritive elements.

Key Takeaways to Fertilizers:

• Fertilize once per year, either in the spring or autumn.
• Generally, the ideal time to fertilize is in autumn after the leaves have fallen, but prior to the ground freezing.
• It is important to remember to reapply fertilizer at intervals throughout each season to replenish Nitrogen which washes out of the soil.

Watering

All plants need water. Timing for watering various plants and trees vary with weather conditions from season to season. Ask a professional when looking for the right times to water your lawn to get the maximum benefits.

Key Takeaways to Proper Watering:

• Most perennials need one inch of water per week.
• Avoid over-watering plants, which can lead to fungus.
• Adequate watering of lawns is defined as enough water to maintain some moisture in the soil at a depth of 2 to 4 inches.
• Early morning and early evening is the best time to water lawns.

Mulching

Mulch reduces the need for watering by helping retain soil moisture. Mulch also adds needed organic matter to the soil as it decomposes and reduces weed population in plant and tree beds.

Key Takeaways to Mulching

• One to two inches of mulch can be applied annually as long as the total depth does not exceed 3 inches.
• Mulch should be lightly cultivated or turned over during the growing season to improve air flow.
• Leave a small ring at the base of trees and shrubs which is free of mulch.