Green Thumb Landscape Services

Questions & Answers

1. Can I grow grass under shade trees?
Answer: Yes. Remove some of the larger exposed tree roots. Add topsoil and plant POA Trivialis seed. POA Trivialis is a special type of grass seed that grows well under trees.

2. What is the orange stuff in my mulch?
Answer: It's a form of Mold. It will not harm shrubs. Remove it carefully with a shovel. Do not break it up or spread into the mulch.

3. How often should I water?
Answer: New landscaping regularly for one to two years twice each week. Especially in hot, dry weather, water it three to four times per week.
Suggestions for watering: To save water and time, use a Soaker Hose throughout the bed.

4. What can I do about my sloped bank for easy maintenance?
Answer: There are several remedies. (a) Ground cover, (b) decorative stone, (c) Zoyzia grass, (d) simple mulching with a weed barrier.

5. How much mulch should I cover my beds with?
Answer: To effectively stop weed germination, add 2 to 3 inches in Spring and 3 to 4 inches in Fall.

6. At what time do you trim shrubs?
Answer: (a) Flowering shrubs get trimmed after they bloom, depending on their bloom time.
(b) Evergreen shrubs get trimmed after their new growth has hardened off. Do not trim too late in the season. New growth will die from winter weather. The optimum time is after the growing season in this area (Reading, PA), in late August through early October. Trim the larger trees in fall or winter after the leaves have fallen.

7. How do I keep my bouquets fresh?
Answer: Slice tips in warm water, at a 45 degree angle. Add a flower fresh packet to water in vase.