Landscape Maintenance and Management Flashcards

What is integrated pest management (IPM) in landscape maintenance?

Answer: A systematic approach using multiple strategies to control pests with minimal pesticide use

IPM combines biological controls, cultural practices, mechanical methods, and targeted pesticide use to manage pests effectively while minimizing environmental and health impacts.

What is the recommended mulch depth for most landscape planting beds?

Answer: 2 to 4 inches

A 2 to 4 inch layer of mulch suppresses weeds, retains moisture, moderates soil temperature, and adds organic matter without suffocating roots.

What is volcano mulching and why is it harmful to trees?

Answer: Piling mulch against the trunk in a cone shape, causing rot and pest damage

Volcano mulching piles mulch against the tree trunk, keeping bark constantly moist which leads to rot, fungal disease, pest infestation, and girdling roots.

What is the best time to apply pre-emergent herbicide for crabgrass control in US lawns?

Answer: Early spring before soil temperature reaches 55 degrees F

Pre-emergent herbicides must be applied before crabgrass seeds germinate, which occurs when soil temperature reaches 55 degrees F at a 2-inch depth in spring.

Which fertilization timing is generally recommended for cool-season turfgrasses like fescue in the US?

Answer: Fall (September through November) as the primary application

Cool-season grasses grow most actively in fall, making it the optimal time for fertilization to build root reserves without pushing vulnerable top growth during summer heat.

What is thatch in a lawn and when does it become problematic?

Answer: Layer of dead organic matter between soil and grass blades; problematic above half an inch

Thatch is a layer of dead stems, roots, and organic debris between the soil surface and living grass; layers exceeding one-half inch impede water, air, and nutrient penetration.