FERTILIZATION AND INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PROGRAM(IPM)
The Science of Horticulture…
In addition to landscape design, the study of horticulture is another love of our lives. Tropic Greenery is licensed with the state of Florida to provide Fertilization and Lawn and Ornamental Pest Control. We offer quality fertilization programs that utilize Integrated Pest Management Principles. The EPA defines IPM as “an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property and the environment.”
Turf: Bahia, St. Augustine, Zoysia or Bermuda sod each have different requirements to achieve a great looking turf.
Tropic Greenery’s Integrated Pest Management System. The primary goal of integrated pest management is healthy turf and plants maintained at an optimum growth rate. Turf maintained in this way will be naturally more disease resistant, drought tolerant and require less chemical treatment. Also, we support these practices to help Save Our Lagoon and Keep Brevard Beautiful. So that, our children and grandchildren can enjoy the waterways as we have.
Other practices included in our integrated approach for healthy turf condition:
- Optimal fertilization and pest management to supply nutrients through spray and granular products.
- Weeds and pest are correctly diagnosed and treated.
- Safe pesticide applications are being done
- Proper cutting height of grass,
- Use of newly sharpened blades on mowers
- Mulching of grass clippings while mowing
- Thatch control program in place
- Sprinkler system is calibrated correctly
- Use of newly sharpened blades on mowers
Tropic Greenery will use sulfur coated time release granular, spray applications of macro/micro and/or minor nutrients. Turf will be monitored monthly for weeds, insects, fungus, other pest problems and minor element deficiencies. Levels of the other macronutrients (Phosphorus, Potassium) and micronutrients (iron, copper, manganese, molybdenum, zinc, boron, chloride) will be sufficient to maintain a high quality turf condition. Flexibility to change percentages of nutrients is essential to keep turf grass at an acceptable color and growth density. Excessive amounts of nutrients not only waste money but increases leaching of these nutrients into our waterways.
Weed and Pest Control
Whether you have broadleaf weeds, grassy weeds, crabgrass, chickweeds, dollar weeds, thistle, clover, nutsedge or other stubborn weeds give us a call for a professional analysis of your yard and an integrated program to stop those weeds!
Chinch bugs, sod webworms, armyworms, grubs, Bermuda mites, chafer beetles, mole crickets and others dining on your lawn and plants? We can put an end to their free lunch! Whether they are sucking, chewing or boring into your turf and ornamental plants call us for a diagnosis and an integrated pest management plan.
Dollar spot, leaf spot, red thread, snow mold. patch disease, brown patch – let us find out what is causing those dead patches of turf.
Ornamental Plants and Trees
Ornamental plants have different requirements based on many variables – bloom season, climate, location, sun intensity and specific species. Trees, palms, shrubs and plants will be fed with adequate macro and micro nutrients, trace elements and iron to encourage healthy growth condition and encourage blooms of flowering species. Specific growth requirements and potential pest infestations will be monitored and treatment plans will be implemented for each plant species.Whether you have crotons, hibiscus, green island ficus, podicarpus, arbicolas, jasmine, coonties, sea grapes or any of the other hundred species of plants you need someone that can oversee that. We have the knowledge and experience to maintain
Other practices included in our integrated approach for plants include:
- Proper pruning of plant is being done to obtain a specific shape, increase seasonal blooming.
- Knowledge of the common pests and nutritional deficiencies
- Recognize the signs of drought or over watering
- Shade and sun tolerance of specific plant
- Temperature tolerance
- Invasive plants identified and removed
- Environmentally protected plants properly trimmed
Other Pests in Florida:
Laurel Wilt Disease – A small nonnative beetle causing devastation of Redbays, avocados and other Laurel Family Trees. Read more about Laurel Wilt Disease in Brevard County.
White Fly Infestation – Many species of whitefly are prevalent in Florida. Spiraling Whitefly infestation has increased dramatically in Brevard County over the last few years. Normally they will not kill a healthy plant, but the plant may be unsightly with a waxy, sticky substance covering the leaves. Black Sooty Mold will soon start growing on the sticky substance. Ficus are known to lose their leaves if heavily infected. The mold may decrease photosynthesis and affect the health of the plant. The following factors; degree of infestation, plant species affected and cost of treatment, need to be considered before establishing a treatment plan.
New pest – Every year new bugs, bacteria and viruses are being introduced and spread into Florida. We care about our homeowners’ landscape investments and the beauty of Florida Landscape plants. We strive to keep up to date on all new pests and treatments.
Organic Environmentally Friendly Programs
The goal of this program is to cause the minimal harm to environment while maintaining turf and ornamental plants. Tropic Greenery already practices an integrated pest management system on all their accounts. For those that want to take this a step further a fully organic program can be designed for your entire property or a portion of your yard.
