At Mainscape, our purpose statement encourages team members to have an impact on their community. One part of that is through company events, where we get together to serve a charitable organization or work to better our community. A second equal component is for our...
Dry conditions drive increased water demand
Historically, Florida receives very little rainfall in spring, making irrigation systems essential to maintaining beautiful landscapes. As conditions escalate, it’s not uncommon for irrigation consumption to increase 30–50% each month. It’s imperative to maximize the...
Crape Murder: Just don’t do it!
Pruning is a good way to improve the plant’s structure, shape and appearance. Removing lower limbs to increase clearance, cutting stems to increase branches and flowers as well as removing dead and damaged branches are great reasons to prune. The practice of topping...
Favorite Christmas Flora: Facts, Myths & Legends
Christmas is here! While Florida’s climate isn’t necessarily “Christmas-y,” we still enjoy plenty of lights, festivities, decorations and seasonal foliage associated with Christmas landscapes. Here are some fun facts about our favorites: 1. Mistletoe: Why do we kiss...
Gratitude
I get a laugh out of memes circulating on social media about just how crazy 2022 has been. Other times I feel despair as I recall the deaths of more than one billion of my fellow citizens, the turmoil, depression and pain of devastating losses. Then it seems like just...
Hurricane-Damaged Palms
Hurricane Ian came ashore on Wednesday, September 28 and left significant damage throughout many coastal areas. While many have resumed normal life, many others continue to cleanup and recover. While you may not live in an area that experienced what Southwest Florida...
How to make your landscape storm-resistant
The 2022 hurricane season began on June 1 and will last until November 30. The 2022 forecast from Colorado State University predicts 20 named storms could form, with nine becoming hurricanes and five strengthening into major hurricanes—meaning Category 3 or higher....
Why “topping” is terrible for crapemyrtles
Some people call it pruning, we call it murder! Crapemyrtles are commonly found in southern landscapes and produce beautiful flowers annually. Generally, mature crapemyrtles (12–15 feet and taller) require little to no pruning. However, during the winter months,...
Mulch can be marvelous
It’s the time of year again when many properties get spiffed up with fresh layers of mulch in planting beds. In addition to improving appearance, mulch helps block out weeds, holds moisture in the soil and breaks down into organic matter over time, promoting a healthy...
We make all the leaves leave
To some people, fall is the quintessential definition of coziness. The Danes have a specific word for it: Hygge (pronounced HOO-gaH). A brisk breeze with a warm blanket and hot chocolate? Definitely hygge. Roasting marshmallows over an open fire with friends? You...
Resources
Memberships and Associations
- Irrigation Association
- Florida Irrigation Society
- Indiana Lawn Association
- Snow & Ice Management Association
- Carolina Irrigation Association
- American Society of Irrigation Consultants
- Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association
- National Association of Landscape Professionals
- National Safety Council
- American Society of Safety Professionals
Florida Weather and Data
Education Centers
- EPA Watersense
- Center for Landscape Conservation and Ecology
- University of Florida IFAS Extension Orange County
- University of Florida IFAS Extension Sarasota County
- University of Florida IFAS Extension Collier County
- University of Florida IFAS Extension Lee County
- North Carolina State University TurfFiles Center
- Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Info Center
- Clemson University