Managing Nematodes

Outdoor Creations Landscape & Design, Inc.

August 31, 2017

Welcome to Outdoor Creations Landscape & Design, Inc. weekly newsletter. We specialize in landscaping solutions to enhance the quality, value, and natural beauty of your home. We work one on one with each homeowner to design a program that is specific to their individual needs or desires, placing attention to the small details every step of the way.

LANDSCAPING TIP

Plant repellents: Certain plants act as natural bug repellents. Lemongrass (which produces citronella), lavender, marigold and pitcher plants all may help keep mosquitoes away.

WHAT IS NEMATODE

While most of the thousands of species of nematodes on Earth are not harmful, some attack and feed on living plants.

Pest species are only about 1/50 inch long and cause root knots or galls, injured root tips, excessive root branching, leaf galls, lesions or dying tissue, and twisted, distorted leaves.

Often referred to as roundworms, nematodes are not closely related to true worms. They are multicellular insects with smooth, unsegmented bodies. The nematode species that feed on plants are so tiny that you need a microscope to see them. These plant parasites are NOT the same roundworms as the filarial nematodes, that infect the human body.

(Photo credit: NRCS)

MANAGING NEMATODES ON PLANTS

Prepare new planting sites properly. Remove any roots, debris, etc. If the planting site has been infected by nematodes before, replace the soil. Discard all infested soil.
Pick top quality plants that are suitable for your location (Climate, soil type, shade/sun and drainage) Do not pick plants that are nematode susceptible.
Give optimum plant care. Fertilize as needed, water deeply, mulch to keep roots cool in hot weather and to help retain moisture. Stress from other insects and diseases can also set up plants for nematode infection.

JAPANESE MAPLE

Over 300 cultivars of the Japanese Maple range from miniatures to small trees to shrubs. They have a great variety of leaf shape, size, and coloration.
Japanese Maple grow best in partial full sun or shade and in rich, moist soil covered with a layer of mulch. They are more tolerant of Southern warm weather than most maples, but it is a good idea to shade them from the midday sun.

Japanese maples typically grow one foot per year for the first 50 years. They can live to be over one hundred years old.

Japanese maples have a bad reputation for developing roots that kink and circle around the root crown and lower stem, eventually choking the tree of its own life. Improper installation is the primary cause. Kinked and circling roots will shorten the Japanese maple lifespan. Make sure the planting hole is twice as large as the root ball, and ensure the roots are spread outward in the planting hole.

In This Issue

WHAT IS NEMATODE

MANAGING NEMATODE IN PLANTS

We are adding a Question and

Answer section. If there are

any questions that you

may have please email us

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DID YOU KNOW?

All soil requires three important nutrients. They are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) These three elements directly help in the plant development. Nitrogen is for stem and foliage growth - dark green leaves and lush growth. Phosphorous helps the growth of roots and blooms - flower and seed production. Potassium will create strong stems and roots. If any of these three are missing the plants will not grow or function.

We are looking for EXPERIENCED landscape laborers for hire. Must have a valid driver's license with clean driving record. Must be able to pass drug test. Hardworking and showing up as needed a must. Please send resume and tell us something about yourself and why you would be a good fit for this position.

BROWN PATCH

(Photo Credit: NCSU)

WET WEATHER CAN CAUSE BROWN PATCH

Wet weather can cause many plants to develop disease. Many of these rain storms happen during the evening and overnight hours, leaving plants wet for many hours. Fungus spreads rapidly when you have free water on leaf surfaces for too many hours.

Brown patch disease of turf grass is caused by the

fungus Rhizoctonia. Grass blades may be killed in a few hours by this fungus. It infects the blade nearest the soil and disrupts transport of water and nutrients to the upper portions of the blade which then die rapidly. This leaves the lawn with brown areas which weeds invade before regrowth can occur.

Outdoor Creations | [email protected] | http://outdoorcreationslandscaping.com
37 Covil Avenue
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 343-0777