This is Noon Turf Care's fall webinar from 2012. This was our second ever webinar and it was a huge success. We had over 50 people attend live. Feel free to browse through this presentation and get some tips and tricks about lawn care, tree care, shrub care and fall and winterizing tips for your property.

1. Spring Property Maintenance and
Horticultural Care
This webinar is a FREE reference guide offered to all customers and
friends to educate them on property care.
WELCOME AND THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING!
We will begin shortly.

2. • Introduction to Panel
• Company Overview
• Spring Property Maintenance
• Landscape Care
• Turf Care Preparation
• Winterizing Power Equipment
• Tree and Shrub Specimen Care
• Question & Answer Session

3. Bill Tourtellotte
Horticulture Specialist
Scott Vitale
Lawn Care Specialist,
Professional Blogger
Jeffrey Cramer
Lawn, Tree & Shrub Consultant
Josh Steinberg
Host, IT Technician

5. Founded in 2002 and located in Hudson, MA, Noon Turf Care provides full
service Turf, Tree and Shrub Care. They have 20 certified and licensed lawn &
tree technicians to service all of your lawn and plant needs.
• Soil Testing
• Lawn Fertilization
• Weed Control
• Insect and Disease Control
• Lime and Potassium
Treatments
• Core Aeration and Seeding
• Arborist Consultation
• Tree and Shrub Feeding
• Insect and Disease Control
• Seasonal Monitoring
• Deep Root Injections
• Expert Landscape Analysis
• Merit Soil Injections
Lawn Care Tree and Shrub Care

6. A check list of tasks you need to know to prepare your property
for the spring season
Gutter Cleaning, Spring Clean-ups, Flower Bed Maintenance
and Turf Grass Conditioning.

7. • Should be performed before the spring clean-up.
• This will enable you to make a mess on the ground with the debris from
the gutters and you will not need to clean the beds twice.
• Removal can be done one ladder length at a time using a small hand
shovel or small hand blower. After all debris is removed you should then
water test the gutters to make sure nothing was lodged in any of the down
spouts.
• Pull your garden hose up the ladder and run the water into the gutters to
see if it flows smoothly.
• Please be careful and make sure you have a friend around for safety.

9. • Before the end of early spring you will want to rake or blow all leaves off
the lawn, walkway, patio and decks/porches.
• Be Sure to remove all of the leaves in the flowerbeds that were left from
the fall season to protect the plantings too.
• Removing all leaves, pine needles, sticks and other debris will allow the
lawn to breath and open up for the new season.
• A deep raking of the lawn should also be performed to allow moisture and
fertilizer intake to the grass roots.
• A final lawn mowing should also be performed at 2” in height and
clippings should be bagged.
• If you don’t have time to do your own clean-up or you need a company to
perform it because its so large please contact us after the webinar.

10. Irrigation System Spring Turn-On Tips

11. • Each spring it is important to turn your irrigation system on to
check for leaks and broken head settings.
• Check to make sure each zone is being adequately covered.
• Setting the computer for each zone and time is best. Set for
early morning or late afternoon for approximately 15 minutes
per zone every other day for the start of spring.
• Its best to hire a professional for this service in case repairs
and adjustments are needed.

13. • The spring is a fantastic time to patch seed
areas on the lawn that are dead. This will occur
along the road due to salt and plow damage.
• There may also be dead areas of lawn beneath
trees and throughout the lawn from past
season’s disease or insect damage.
• Although general over-seeding is recommended
to be performed in the Fall, spot seeding can be
done in the spring.

14. 1. Dig up or rake up with a metal rake the dead patches of grass.
2. Lay screened loam evenly throughout the aggravated areas and
fill them in using a metal rake.
3. Plant grass seed and gently rake in with the back of a plastic
rake.
4. Roll the loam and seed with a lawn roller.
5. Spread additional seed over the top and apply a natural starter
fertilizer.
6. Keep the newly seeded areas moist with a sprinkler or hose
until germination occurs within 7-10 days. Be sure not to allow
puddles to occur when watering. Avoid heavy foot traffic.

16. • Divide oversized perennials & spread throughout
current bed or other beds on your property.
• Cut back perennials & any dead growth.
• This can be performed with a spade or hand shovel
depending on the size of the plantings.
The Spring is an ideal time for preparing
your landscape and garden plantings.

17. • Amending the soil with fertilized soil, peat moss and
compost.
• Planting and adding new varieties to further enhance
your landscape.
• Edging beds and mulching them with a light coating of
bark mulch should also be done in the early spring.
• Prior to mulching you can also lay Preen down which will
prevent the germination of crabgrass and other weeds.
• This will help protect plantings and prevent weeds from
growing in the beds.

20. • Maintain or reduce plant size
• Remove undesirable growth
• Remove dead, diseased, or broken branches
• Stimulate flowering and fruiting
• Rejuvenate and restore old plants to vigorous
• growth.
• Prevent damage to life and property
• Shape plants in an artificial form.

21. • The early spring can be an ideal time to prune certain trees
and shrubs.
• Remove diseased leaves and limbs – to prevent future spread
next season. Look for the following issues on specimen
• Black spots on leaves (roses, apples).
• Powdery mildew on lilacs, peonies and other perennials.
• Blighted signs on tree and shrub twigs – remove below
infested areas and be sure to clean tools with alcohol to
prevent spread.
*We will present Specific Tree and Shrub Care instructions for each
specimen toward the end of the presentation.

23. Spring Turf Preparation • After you have performed your spring
clean-up it is imperative that the turf be
fertilized with a high nitrogen fertilizer.
• This fertilizer should also contain a pre-
emergent crabgrass control product.
• We use Dimension crabgrass pre-
emergent. After years of testing different
products, we believe this is most effective
one to use.
• The product must be applied in early-mid
spring before the soil temperature hits about
60 degrees. Time with Forsythia bloom.
• In doing so, the Dimension will prevent
crabgrass seed germination come
summertime.
• The timing is critical so do not wait until the
last minute.

24. Crabgrass and
Broadleaf Weeds
• When applying pre-emergent crabgrass
control be sure to spread evenly throughout
the lawn and be sure not to miss areas;
especially along the edge of the driveway
and walkways.
• Crabgrass tends to break out in bare areas
of the lawn and edges once summer hits.
• Although there are no preventative controls
you can take for broadleaf weeds such as
dandelions, you can spot treat these with a
liquid post-emergent.
• These will begin to germinate earlier in the
spring so be prepared once the weather
begins to warm up and the grass comes out
of dormancy.

26. Soil pH and Lime • It is very important to test your soil
pH every spring and fall.
• This is something that you will
need to hire a professional to do
because of the equipment needed
to read the levels.
• If your spoil pH is below 6.5 you
this means your soil’s acidity is
high.
• Regulating this can be done by
applying a heavy application of
limestone.

27. • Regulates soil pH
• Prevents spread of moss in shaded areas
• Improves turf color and density
• Improves efficacy of weed controls
• Improves nutrient intake of lawn from
fertilizers

28. Potassium
Treatments
• Potassium otherwise known as Potash is a
great supplemental nutrient to administer to
your lawn in the spring.
• Nitrogen is for top growth and color in the turf.
Potassium however works on the bottom
growth of the turf. It helps develop and
strengthen the root system.
• Sandy soils usually require more Potash in the
spring due to leaching.
• Potassium feedings also make turf grass more
drought tolerant and disease resistant as the
lawn enters the warm and dry summer season.
• It also helps turf cope with high traffic / wear
and tear on the lawn if you have active children
or family pets.

29. • Due to a very mild
winter, our technicians
are reporting a large crop
of ticks this season.
• Ticks thrive in mild and
dry weather in wooded
and grassy areas.
• Exposure to deer ticks
can cause Lyme Disease.

30. • Deer Ticks are attracted to humans and animals
and will attach themselves to their hosts for
warmth and to feed on its host’s blood.
• In order to control the populations you must
broadcast spray a flea and tick control
throughout the lawn and edge of the woods.
• Keeping grass and brush trimmed and short also
helps decrease tick populations

32. • Change Oil: If you did not change your mower’s oil in the Fall
• Remove Old Gas: if you have a bit of gas left over from the previous
season, then you should drain it out and fill the tank with fresh gas. You can
use a stabilizer to lengthen the shelf life
• Change spark plug: Remove the spark plug wire, and with an appropriate
sized ratchet and socket, remove the old plug. Now put the new plug in with
the same socket, being careful not to over tighten.
• Clean Carburetor: Cleaning the carburetor is a different matter though and
unless you know what you're doing, it should probably be left to a
professional.
• Clean or Replace Air Filter: This is one of the most important steps to take
and should be checked regularly throughout the mowing season as dirt and
grime easily clog the air cleaner. Just like you vehicle, a lawn mower engine
needs to breathe as well. The easier it breathes, the more efficient it will run.

33. • Lube Wheels and Axles: This keeps rust and corrosion down on the axles
and makes the mower easier to push. You can use any common
lubricant, but be careful of using some silicon sprays as they don't seem to
last long. Apply the oil wherever there are moving parts around the wheels
and axles. You'll thank yourself on those hot summer days.
• Clean Undercarriage: Cleaning the undercarriage of the mower keeps the
cutting and discharge of the grass efficient. This is particularly important for
mulching mowers. This can be done easily with a small paint scraper. You
might want to check this several times throughout the season. Notice the
drive belt in the photo, those should be checked for wear as well.
• Sharpen Blades: A dull mower blade is pretty hard on the lawn. It tears and
bruises grass leaves, weakens the grass making it less able to ward off
weeds, disease or insects. And it won’t handle the hot, dry weather of mid
and late summer. You'll notice a whitish tint to the grass when your blade is
getting dull. A closer inspection of the grass will show it to have a white or
tan tip as opposed to a healthy green color.

35. • Please note that most two cycle engine manufacturers require the
use of 89-91 octane fuel.
• Using 87 Octane can lead to permanent engine damage that is not
covered by warranty.
• The higher the octane the better, we recommend using 91 or 93
octane. Ethanol also causes what is called fuel phase separation so
it is important to shake your fuel container or equipment before
refueling or after the equipment has been sitting for a while.
• Phase separation causes the gas and oil to separate in the tank
which can lead to engine damage since the engine may not be
getting the lubrication it needs. The fuels today are not the same as
10 years ago so this is very important to understand.

36. • Remove old gas or stabilizer from your gas tank, run
engine for 5 minutes to allow new fuel to work through
the carburetor. Most small two cycle engines will need a
new spark plug each season depending on how much it
is used; at the very least it will need to be cleaned.
• Be sure to keep leaves and other debris off your blower
when using and be sure to clean off dirt and debris after
you are finished.
• Clean off any debris from cooling fins on the engine.

38. • Your trees & shrubs endure all types of weather conditions as well as an assault by
insects and potential disease issues.
• We saw lots of structural damage and winter burn from the October storm. This left
the plants susceptible to insect and disease issues due to open wounds from broken
limbs and branches. Re-check your plant material and make sure all necessary pruning
has been made.
• This past winter was an aberration. We usually count on hard packed snow to
insulate. Folks are worried about their tree roots being frozen and affected by cold
ground temperatures.
• We have seen early blossoming of perennial bulbs and flowering Cherry, Plum,
Dogwood, and Magnolias.
• The mild winter allows for an extended growing season as well as the chance for
many insects to survive which will cause a population increase.

39. Birch diseaseLeaf miner
• Pleasing white bark and colorful leaves in fall.
• Best to pick species that will do well in snow and cold
and it native to your region.
• Do not want to prune, fertilize or water after late August
• Insulate the base with leaves.
• Do not place the mulch against the tree itself.
• The white birch is the most popular of the birches for
ornamental use and it is less susceptible to severe attacks
of the birch borer than European birch.
• Paper Birch is New Hampshire’s state tree.
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Bronze Birch Borer

40. Apple MaggotApple Scab
• Apples require regular maintenance and pest
management to produce quality fruit.
• Application of dormant oil is another early spring activity
to consider when growing apples.
• Dormant oils will help control scale and other insects
that may have overwintered on the bark of the tree
• Remove all damaged and diseased branches.
• Cut out watersprouts, which are rapidly growing upright
branches that tend to clog up the center of the tree.
• Remove suckers arising from the base of the trunk.
Full Sun
Watersprouts

41. Japanese Beetle
• Best to pick species that will do well in snow and cold and are
native to your region.
• Brown rot blossom blight is a common and destructive disease of
all stone fruits including flowering cherry and plum as well as their
fruit bearing relatives.
• Leave room to grow, about 18 to 24 feet apart to allow for this
growth
• Some cherry tree varieties are self-fertile, meaning you will get
some fruit even if you only have one tree, while some are not,
meaning you will have to plant more than one tree so they can
pollinate one another.
• The delightfully fragrant white flowers bring spring beauty to the
landscape.
Full Sun in well drained soil
Black Knot FungusScale

42. CankerJapanese Beetles
• Needs regular watering-weekly, or more in extreme heat.
• Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth
begins in spring.
• Large enough to use as a front-yard tree in city lots or as
a well-behaved street tree in high-density neighborhoods.
• Grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well drained, clay
soils.
• Wonderful blooms in spring and produces edible fruits for
wildlife. Can be used as a small shade tree or as additional
summer color in a garden or against a light-colored wall.
Full Sun in well drained soil
Black Knot

43. Verticillium WiltAphids
• Versatile, ornamental, hardy small tree or multi-stemmed shrub.
• Japanese maples prefer slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soil,
and dappled shade; although if too much shade will grow slower
and turn more green.
• Squirrels and chipmunks are very fond of maple seeds. The
seeds, buds, and flowers are also eaten by grouse, quail and many
songbirds.
• Water during dry periods. It is important to keep soil moisture
consistent avoiding alternating dry and wet periods.
• Best to use 2 ½ -3” of shredded hardwood mulch during the
season to minimize evaporation of water.
Full Sun in well drained soil
Root Rot

44. Powdery Mildew
• In the early spring, beautiful flowers bloom consisting of four
white, pink or red bracts with clusters of small yellow flowers in the
center.
• Prefer nutrient rich well-drained soil and grow best in partial sun.
• Require some special care to help them thrive as they are fragile
and susceptible to mechanical injuries and several insect and
disease conditions.
• Fungicide application can help prevent diseases and horticultural
oils at the beginning of the season should be used to smother scale
insects and reduce overwintering population of aphid and mite
eggs.
• Dogwood is the state tree of Missouri and Virginia.
Partial sun
Spot Anthracnose Dogwood Borer

45. ScaleAlgal Leaf Spot
• Impressive deep purple-red flowers with 7-9 petals that
resemble a tulip.
• Flowering trees add charm and grace to the landscape.
• Blooms mid to late March and may have sporadic re-bloom
in summer.
• Grows in acidic, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, silty loam, well
drained soils.
• These trees are fast growing and rather resilient, but they
need to be planted in a sheltered spot as wind and frost can
damage the beautiful blooms.
• Magnolia is the state tree of Mississippi.
Full Sun
Mildew

46. Bark Beetle
• This magnificent evergreen has a dense, cone-shape when
young becoming more open and pyramid-shaped with maturity.
• Grows best in deep, moist, well drained, acid or neutral soil
with atmospheric moisture.
• Subject to injury from high winds.
• Makes an attractive Christmas tree because the needles do
not easily fall off. When young, its dense growth makes it a
beautiful evergreen.
• Douglas Fir is the state tree of Oregon.
Partial shade to full sun
Canker Scale

47. Gall Mites
• Maple trees have shallow root systems, which can lift walkways
and driveways as they mature, so be sure to plant them
appropriately.
• Prune, water and fertilize maple trees regularly to maintain optimal
health. Subject to injury from high winds.
• Maple trees, with their splendid, dense crown, can provide a
lifetime of beauty and shade to your landscape.
• Broken, diseased, or dead branches are typically removed in order
to prevent decay-producing fungi from infecting other areas of the
tree.
• Sugar Maples are the state tree of New York, Vermont, West
Virginia, and Wisconsin. Red Maple is the state tree of Rhode Island.
Cottony Scale Cankerworms Winter Moth

48. Root Rot
• Clusters of trumpet shaped flowers that come in a huge array of
colors from stark white to burgundies, yellows, and peach
• Tough glossy leaves provide the perfect backdrop for the gaudy
spring bouquets that bloom from early through mid spring.
• Rhododendrons like loamy, acidic soil and mild, humid climates.
• Evenly moist, well-drained, rich soil promotes plant health and
vigor. Established plants can get along quite nicely with minimal
watering and feeding.
• Take out dead or diseased branches when ever you notice them.
• Mulch every year with compost if possible. Many gardeners use
decomposed leaf mold, pine needles, or bark chips to good effect.
This enhances drainage but holds moisture.
Bud Blight Weevils
Partial sun

49. Spider Mites
• Grown for their attractive foliage and brightly colored berries.
• In general, hollies prefer a site with full sun to light shade and
moist, well-drained soil.
• Evergreen hollies can be sheared into formal hedges, and
holly berries attract birds.
• Plant in spring or fall. Space plants 5 to 25 feet
apart, depending on the expected mature size of the plants.
• Holly is particularly susceptible to Vine Weevil and needs
treating every year to prevent serious damage.
• Pruning your holly bushes will ensure that they keep a nice
compact form rather than becoming leggy and scraggly.
• American Holly is the state tree of Delaware.
Sooty Mold Leaf Spot
Full sun

50. Spider Mites
• The familiar burning bush is a dense, flat-topped,
deciduous shrub with a rounded, horizontal branching habit.
• Highly invasive species that may escape cultivation and
naturalize in the wild; it has become a problem in New
England, especially in New Hampshire and Connecticut.
• Tolerates most any well-drained soil in full sun or light
shade, but plants grown in sun generally need moister soil.
• Easily transplanted and tolerant of many growing
conditions.
• Also known as Euonymus.
Webworm Black Vine Weevil
Sun/partial shade
Lace Bug

51. STEP1 - EARLY SPRING
Dormant Oil Spray, a non-toxic spray to control insect eggs left from the winter
season ready to hatch this spring.
STEP2 - LATE SPRING
Spring deep root fertilization performed to introduce new food supply. will
help create a stronger root system, increase budding and flowering over time.
STEP 3-4-5 - LATE SPRING-EARLY SUMMER
Insect and disease control performed 4-5 weeks apart to help minimize issues
such ass Wooly Adelgid, scale, aphid, spider mite, lace bug, mealy bug,
Japanese beetle, caterpillars, and black vine weevil.
STEP 6 - EARLY FALL
Deep root fertilization performed to replace food supply and to get your trees
& shrubs ready for the final fall growth cycle.
STEP 7 – LATE FALL
Fall dormant oil is performed to suffocate over wintering egg masses to
minimize spring hatching populations.

52. Resources/References
to help Assist you
Power Equipment Servicing and Sales
• Richey and Clapper Company 978-443-1333
Irrigation Service:
• Bill Norman Irrigation 508-305-2929
Landscape Services
• Landscape Collaberative:617-924-0581:
• D. Schumacher Landscape 508-427-7707 and
• R&B Landscape 978-838-0888
• Tree Service:
• James English Tree Service 508-653-8243
All of these references
Noon Turf Care provides
act independently and not
are not affiliated in any way
with Noon Turf Care.
They are simply reliable
vendors that we have used
and that offer discounts to
any of our customers.
Thank you.
THANK YOU!

53. Please feel free to submit questions to us!
We will stay on the webinar to answer any
of the questions you may have.
Thanks again!
Call us today, 978-838-3100, and mention this webinar and one of our horticultural
experts will perform a FREE Tree and Shrub Evaluation on your property.