Landscape Maintenance
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Commercial Plant Problems
To get a plant problem diagnosed, contact the agent for a phone consultation, and follow up with an email with photos that shows a good representation of the problem. A field visit may be made by the agent if warranted to assist with the diagnosis. Pest problems that cannot be identified at the county level can be submitted by the landscape professional to the UF-IFAS Plant Diagnostic Lab in Gainesville for identification, for a fee.https://plantpath.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/plant-diagnostic-services/
The best method of contact the agent is via email. nsamuel@ufl.edu. You can also call 352- 689-4671. If agent is unavailable leave a voice message, as it will be forwarded to email.
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Chainsaw Safety
Chainsaws are a useful and important tool, but you need to know how to opperate it propertly to prevent injury. Check out some of these helpful resources or come learn hands on at one of our Chainsaw Classes Eventbrite.
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Pruning
Pruning saws, shears and other pruning tools can spread disease organisms from one plant to another or from one part of a plant to another part of the same plant if not properly disinfected. While it may not be completely necessary to disinfect pruning tools each time you use them, making a habit of doing so can help reduce the chances of disease transmission among healthy landscape plants, and is especially important when working with plants that are considered irreplaceable.
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Mowing
Mowing is one of the most important cultural practices for maintenance of a healthy lawn. Proper mowing height increases turfgrass density and promotes deep root growth, both of which lead to a stronger lawn that is more competitive against weeds and better able to persist under environmental stresses such as drought. Proper mowing practices, along with fertilization and irrigation, can largely determine the success or failure of a lawn.
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Irrigation
Irrigation is used to provide water needed by plants that is not provided by rainfall. How irrigation is managed and the type of water used for irrigation varies throughout the state depending on the particular crop and resources available. A fundamental component of efficient irrigation is to determine the quantity of irrigation needed and when to apply it, or irrigation scheduling.
CONTACT
Norma R. Samuel FFL/Urban Horticulture Extension Agent IV, Ph.D. (352) 689-4671 nsamuel@ufl.edu
Sumter County - Central 8015 E C-466 Suite A The Villages, FL 32162