1999 Spring Season - Selecting plants, a new lawn, watering - Spring 1999

Giving ornamental plants a healthy start includes choosing and planting plants with pest management in mind. According to Greg Hoover, Penn State Entomologist, many plants and plant varieties are less susceptible or resistant to pests. Using these plants will greatly reduce the need for pesticides during the lifetime of the plant. In addition, plants that are properly sited are less stressed, and therefore, less susceptible to injury caused by insects, mites and disease. The informed plant buyer takes pest management into account when purchasing landscape plants. For further information contact the Penn State Cooperative Extension office in your county or the Pennsylvania Integrated Pest Management program at (814) 865-2839.

Planting a New Lawn
When planting a new lawn, keep in mind the quality of site preparation will help reduce pest problems and diseases further down the road. According to Pete Landschoot, Penn State Agronomist specializing in turfgrass, make sure you have enough topsoil present for good establishment and long term performance of the turf. Also, if a lawn must be planted in a poorly drained area, use a drag mat, cultipacker seeder, or some other weighted device to firm the soil. Water the area to enhance settling, then use weed-free straw or other much material to cover ground that will be bare for more than 30 days before planting. Mulch conserves moisture which translates into a quicker, thicker stand of grass. For further information contact the Penn State Cooperative Extension office in your county or the Pennsylvania Integrated Pest Management program at (814) 865-2839.

Proper Watering Key to Survival
Planting is a major operation from which most trees and shrubs recover slowly, making them susceptible to insects and diseases. Matching plants to your site growing conditions will go along way toward reducing pest problems later. Additionally, proper watering is key to the survival of newly planted trees and shrubs, says Penn State Plant Pathology Professor Gary Moorman. If rainfall is not sufficient, the tree should be watered every five to seven days. Since the root system functions of a newly planted tree are limited, fertilization often is not recommended at the time of planting. Fertilizing in the fall, when the roots are active, can be beneficial. For further information contact the Penn State Cooperative Extension office in your county or the Pennsylvania Integrated Pest Management program at (814) 865-2839.