Horticultural oil and your lawn

Spring is near and as the plants come out of winter hibernation so do the bugs. It’s time to adjust your winter lawn care routine and prepare for the warmer days. Horticultural oil, also known as dormant oil because it is used during the season of inactivity, can eliminate a range of pests at this very sensitive stage of plant development.

How does horticultural oil help you keep your garden healthy?

Cold weather is the best time to use pesticides based on oils because these substances might affect the plant adversely in heat. Lighter versions of products are created for summer months. However, the ideal conditions for this type of treatment to be most effective are cool air and young plants. Dormant oils work by suffocating the insects and their eggs. The pests which can be removed in this manner include mites, spider mites, aphids, leafhoppers, mealybug, caterpillar eggs, whiteflies and others. Remember to always strictly follow label instructions, as pesticides might also kill good bugs which are needed to help pollination.

Gentle transition from winter lawn care to early spring treatment

Trees and shrubs need to be treated proactively while considering the impact of weather changes. Having an annual schedule of various chemical treatments is a way to make sure your care routine follows the natural yearly cycle of plant life. In early spring Aeration of soil is necessary for grass to develop. Cut grass as soon as it becomes strong enough to be mown safely. Keep the blades lower to remove the leftovers and dead leaves. Water well and fertilize after the first cut. Applying pre-emergent can stop weeds from affecting the growth of new grass and keep the lawn looking nice and green for the months to come.