The Scoop on Horticulture

In today’s competitive landscaping industry, every company is looking for the one additional edge that may push them to the pinnacle of successful bidding and operations.  One particular item, which has been used for decades, may just be the edge needed if utilized to its potential.  Plant Growth Regulators, when used correctly and diligently, can provide the necessary edge to battle excessive growth which will equate to substantial savings in the following areas:

• Labor – Less trimming à  Less clean-up.
• Travel time – Fewer trips to the property for trimming are made, and this will result in fewer trips to dispose of the material.
• Safety – If less trimming is needed, there should be fewer trimming-related accidents.  In addition, when travel time is down, there are fewer chances for automobile related accidents. (more…)

Including Hibiscus, Azaleas, Crape Myrtles & Roses

Pruning plants in the landscape is one of the largest services that Austin Outdoor provides to our clients.  Correct pruning involves the removal of branches without unnecessarily damaging the plant and leaving the wounds in the best possible condition.  (more…)

This special bulletin is aimed at addressing more specific actions to be performed after a freeze event. 

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Freezing temperatures and below can cause serious injury to tropical and subtropical plants.  In Florida, our landscapes are usually dominated by these types of plants, so a freeze event can certainly affect our maintenance and construction divisions.  In order to avoid loss of material in the field, it is important to be prepared and know the proper actions before and after freezing temperatures occur. (more…)

Color is an important part of landscaping and captures attention more than any other element in the landscape.  This single aspect of design is especially important to consider when dealing with seasonal changes like annuals.  Before designing an annual display, it is important to understand how colors relate to each other. 

This edition of “The Scoop” focuses on this all-important factor as well as design patterns, proper planting techniques and the annual plants to use according to the season. (more…)

The plant pallet that we have in the landscape in Florida has many subtropical and tropical plants that are susceptible to the damaging effects of winter.  There are several factors that contribute to the possibility of injury at this time of year, but with proper cultural practices and several proactive measures, this damage can be minimized.  (more…)

Over the past couple of years, we have seen several new pests introduced into the state of Florida.  Now a new exotic soft scale insect attacking Crotons has been identified. (more…)