Fertigation: Fertilize and Irrigate in One Step

Fertigation: Fertilize and Irrigate in One Step

Set it, forget it. Give plants the nutrients without all the hassle.

Irrigation in California’s Central Coast is a crucial supplement to little rainfall. For plants and gardens that need more, applying controlled amounts of water also contributes to soil moisture from groundwater.

Fertilization, too, supplements its environment. Plants need a number of chemical elements to grow and thrive, from nitrogen to potassium. Fertilization can help otherwise struggling plants flourish by simply bringing the soil up to their needs.

Fertigation is the combination of both supplements, serving as a nutrient delivery system for landscapes. Fertilizer is delivered in the irrigated water and can use drip irrigation, spray nozzles, or heads.

How We Do It

Madrone Operations Manager Erik Gorham has provided fertigation services for almost a decade. He uses the EZ-FLO products to treat a wide variety of landscape issues. The process is as simple as our trained Madrone team installing a dispensing system in the valve box connected to the main line of a preexisting sprinkler system. “You really can forget about it, because part of our landscape maintenance program includes filling the unit with fertilizer every four to six weeks,” Erik shares.

We use Red Frog Compost Teas as part of our organic fertilizer program. The compost tea improves soil and plant health by improving nutrient availability and retention in the soil. “Biology feeds the plant,” explains Erik. “Typically, what plants need is in the soil. But if your soil is depleted, the worm castings offer an excellent soil amendment that is safe around children and pets.”

Savings on labor and energy costs can quickly offset the initial investment in a fertigation system. A homeowner who lives in an area affected by drought or water restrictions may prefer fertigation because they can better manage the nutrients and water supply going to their landscape—as well as increase water efficiency. It also gives them the ability to add nutrients directly into the root zone that may be otherwise difficult to access.

Erik sees it as an affordable investment to every landscape. “You chose your plants carefully. Help them mature more quickly and stay healthy by using this easy fertilizer system all year round.”

Learn more about our maintenance services. For more details, contact us at [email protected] or (805) 466-6263.

Bunch Grass Cutbacks: How, Why, and When

Bunch Grass Cutbacks: How, Why, and When

Tips for Bunch Grass Cutbacks on California’s Central Coast

Bunch grasses, prevalent in Central Coast California landscapes, offer a striking botanical mix of texture, movement, and vivid color. These perennial grasses, ranging from six inches to eight feet tall, are chosen for their foliage and seed head plumage. In the Central Coast, they typically require a significant annual trim to foster new growth.

Madrone-Landscape-Bunch-Grass

Ideal Timing for Bunch Grass Trimming

The primary goal of cutting back bunch grasses is to stimulate fresh, green growth and to remove dead foliage, enhancing plant health. While some varieties don’t necessitate annual trimming, others thrive with biannual or more frequent cutbacks. The general guideline suggests cutting back after the last hard frost, balancing aesthetics with frost protection. In frost-sensitive species, delay trimming until late winter.

In San Luis Obispo County, we adjust our trimming schedule according to three distinct regions: the beach areas (Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, Cambria, Los Osos, etc.), the coastal valleys (San Luis Obispo, Arroyo Grande, Edna, Nipomo, etc.), and the North County (Paso Robles, Templeton, Atascadero, Santa Margarita).

Ryan maintains decorative grass
Regional Guidelines for Grass Cutbacks
  • Beach Zones: Start as early as December-January. The mild weather allows for a variety of grasses, like the striking Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum rubrum). Here, the extended growing season offers a more flexible trimming window.
  • Coastal Valleys: February is optimal, with the window extending from January to March. Purple Fountain Grass may wait until March, but most varieties are safe for a February trim.
  • North County: The colder climate, influenced by the Santa Lucia Mountain Range, pushes the trimming window to February-April, with March being ideal. The limited grass variety here still offers a breathtaking seasonal display.

The key is to time your grass cutbacks to enhance both plant health and aesthetics, minimizing the dormant period of the trimmed grass.

Cut-Back-Bunch-Grass-Madrone
How to Execute Bunch Grass Cutbacks

Use sharp tools like shears, pruners, hedgers, or bladed weed whackers for trimming. Cut all blades close to the ground without harming the plant crown. Remove loose debris by hand to prevent rot and promote air circulation. Keep mulch and other materials at least 2 inches away from the grass crown.

Ryan maintains decorative grass

Recommended Pruning Heights

Low(2-4 inches): Suitable for Festuca spp., Carex spp., and similar species.

Medium (4-8 inches): Ideal for Muhlenbergia rigens and dubia, small to medium Miscanthus spp., and others.

High (8-12 inches): Best for larger varieties like Miscanthus spp., Cortaderia spp.

 

Carex divulsa (LOW)

Muhlengergia Rigens (MEDIUM)

Seeking Professional Landscape Maintenance?

If you’re interested in landscape maintenance, including bunch grass cutbacks, contact us at Madrone Landscape. We’re currently accepting maintenance projects starting at $400/month. Reach out through our Maintenance Request Form, email us at [email protected], or call (805) 466-6263.

Mulch Madness: A Comprehensive Guide to California Landscape Mulching

Mulch Madness: A Comprehensive Guide to California Landscape Mulching

Maximize the Potential of California Landscapes with Mulch

Mulching is a game-changer for California central coast landscapes, offering a multitude of benefits that every gardener and landscaper should take advantage of. From controlling weeds to conserving moisture, mulch is a versatile tool that enhances the beauty and functionality of outdoor spaces. In this Guide to California Landscape Mulching, we’ll explore the key benefits, various types, and effective methods of using mulch in California landscapes.

Control Weeds and Conserving Moisture

Mulch is a gardener’s best friend when it comes to controlling weeds and retaining moisture. By applying a layer of mulch, you can reduce the growth of unwanted plants, particularly annuals, by up to 90%. This not only keeps your landscape looking pristine but also saves on landscaping labor costs and reduces the need for toxic herbicides.

Moreover, mulch plays a vital role in conserving soil moisture, helping you cut down on irrigation expenses. In regions like San Luis Obispo County, where water conservation is crucial, mulching can significantly reduce the amount of water needed to keep your plants healthy.

Promote Soil Health

Mulching is not just about aesthetics; it also promotes the overall health of your garden. As mulch decomposes, it enriches the soil with essential nutrients, improving its organic matter content and providing a source of sustenance for beneficial organisms. Additionally, mulch reduces soil compaction and insulates plants from extreme temperatures. This insulation effect can lower soil temperatures by up to 10 degrees, which is especially beneficial for young plants and trees.

Reduce Soil Erosion

Erosion is a significant concern, especially on slopes. Mulch acts as a protective barrier that keeps the soil in place during heavy rain and wind, reducing the risk of erosion. By deflecting the impact of raindrops, mulch minimizes stormwater runoff and helps maintain the integrity of nearby creeks and waterways.

Enhance Aesthetics

Beyond its practical benefits, mulch adds a finishing touch to your landscape. A well-maintained mulch layer creates a clean, uniform appearance that ties your garden together. It provides a polished look that complements the natural beauty of your plants and hardscape features.

San Luis Obispo custom residential landscape design build MadroneChoose the Right Mulch Material

When selecting mulch for your California landscape, consider the style and design of your garden. While bark and wood products are common choices on the Central Coast, there are various other options to explore. These include stone, such as colorful rocks and gravel, as well as sheet mulching using materials like newspapers, cardboard, and plastic sheeting.

Recycled organic mulches, such as wood chips, compost, leaves, pine needles, and grass clippings, are eco-friendly choices that reduce the need for long-distance shipping. Using mulch from local tree trimming operations is not only sustainable but also contributes to maintaining the usefulness of these by-products.

Consider Fire Safety

In many coastal California communities, wildfire safety is a paramount concern. It’s essential to be mindful of the combustibility of organic mulch. Research conducted at the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension has shown variability in mulch type combustibility. To reduce wildfire danger, it’s recommended not to use any organic mulch within five feet of homes located in wildfire-prone areas.

Determine the Right Amount of Mulch

To maintain the benefits of mulch, aim for a 2- to 4-inch layer in your planting areas. Regularly inspect and refresh mulched areas as needed. Keep mulch at least two to three inches away from plant stems and trunks to prevent moisture-related issues. For trees in lawns, create a mulch circle around the base, with a diameter of about 2 feet for each inch of trunk diameter.

Embrace the Power of Mulch

Mulching is a versatile and cost-effective practice that enhances the beauty and health of California landscapes. It saves time and money, promotes soil health, prevents erosion, and adds a finishing touch to your outdoor spaces. Make the most of mulch to create thriving, sustainable gardens that are both visually appealing and environmentally responsible.

If you have any questions about our mulching services or want to learn more about our maintenance program, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or (805) 466-6263.

Landscape Moisture Manager: Greener Plants AND Lower Water Bills

Landscape Moisture Manager: Greener Plants AND Lower Water Bills

Paso Robles Youth Arts Academy’s lawn curb strip was slowly dying off. After four weeks of Moisture Manager treatment by Madrone Landscape, the curb strip is green again!

Beating the Summer Heat: Landscape Resilience with Moisture Manager Application

Summer brings soaring temperatures, along with the potential for parched lawns and burnt plants. While increasing watering might seem like the solution, it’s not always practical and can even run afoul of water conservation efforts. In this article, we explore a quick and affordable solution to conserve water and keep your lawn and plants green: moisture management.

Going Beneath the Surface: How Moisture Management Works for Your Landscape

Moisture management starts at the plant roots. Much of the moisture in your soil evaporates before your plants can make use of it. Moisture manager applications change the game by reducing water requirements. They create a protective film around plant and turf roots that attracts and captures water molecules, storing them on the root and soil surfaces. These droplets are then gradually released into your lawn, ensuring efficient water utilization.

Safe, Effective, and Easy: The Moisture Manager Product

The product used for moisture management comes in liquid or granule form. It’s both kid- and pet-friendly and doesn’t contain any toxic ingredients that could lead to runoff or groundwater contamination. Erik Gorham, Madrone’s Operations Manager, explains that applying the granules with a whirl spreader and immediately irrigating the treated area can yield visible improvements in turf color and seed germination in just one to two weeks.

Partnering for Plant Health: Year-Round Soil Moisture Management

Madrone, with its focus on water conservation, plant health, and aesthetics, offers a comprehensive approach to moisture management. The landscape maintenance teams can collaborate with homeowners and property managers to develop a year-round soil moisture management program. In cases of dry winters, Erik suggests establishing an application schedule where the crew visits two or three times a year to maintain optimal moisture levels and break the drought cycle in plants.

Saving Water, Money, and Maintaining Beauty: The Advantages of Moisture Management

Whether you’re a homeowner or property manager, there are numerous benefits to Madrone’s moisture management services. Their detail-oriented staff not only helps you save on your water bill but also ensures a beautiful, lush landscape year-round.

Contact Us for a Resilient Landscape

To discover more about Madrone’s maintenance services and how moisture management can benefit your landscape, reach out at [email protected] or call (805) 466-6263. Don’t let the summer heat wither your plants; instead, let moisture management keep them thriving.

Meet the Team: Cory Meyer, Certified Arborist

Meet the Team: Cory Meyer, Certified Arborist

How long have you worked at Madrone?
Since 2014. I met Rick when we were both volunteering for the Atascadero Native Tree Association (ANTA) circa 1990. I was working in parks for the City of Atascadero, and when I retired in 2013 Rick asked if I’d be interested in doing work for Madrone.

What is your favorite thing about working at Madrone?
It’s a great company to work with. The employees are committed to quality, and they care about the environment.

Over the years, Cory has stepped in for Santa Claus at Madrone holiday parties.

What do you enjoy most about your job/specialization?
I started getting into plants when I was about 21 years old. I grew to be interested in trees when I moved to Atascadero in 1985 because of the oaks around. Once I started volunteering with ANTA, I became really interested in preserving trees around the area. I really enjoy being able to preserve our oak woods in the area. Also, watching tree planting projects I’ve been involved with and seeing the growth of the trees I’ve planted over the years is very satisfying.

What is your favorite Madrone project and why?
I don’t know about a favorite. They are all interesting to me. I might be consulting on how a design or construction can least impact the existing trees in the area, troubleshooting trees that don’t look healthy and providing a diagnosis, or working around the oak trees. I love it all.

What is your favorite, or least favorite, plant and why?
Valley Oak are my favorite oak trees – they’re the largest growing oak tree in North America and they can last for several hundred years. My least favorite is the Ailanthus – the tree of heaven. It’s not a native and it’s extremely invasive.

What are some of your favorite hobbies outside of work?
I play a game called pétanque. It’s like bocce only it’s a French version involving tossing rather than rolling. Also, pétanque can be played on different terrains. I also like to volunteer with Atascadero Land Preservation Society (ALPS).

Give us a fun fact about you!
I have four desert tortoises as pets. The way that they can exist and hibernate through the winter without food or water is very interesting to me. They are very low maintenance and can live 80-100 years if property taken care of.

Our arborist services are available at any phase of your project – in design, during construction, or with maintenance. For more details, contact us at [email protected] or (805) 466-6263.

Coner Boaen Promoted to Maintenance Manager

Coner Boaen Promoted to Maintenance Manager

It was 2018 when we first introduced Coner Boaen to you. He had recently joined Madrone Landscape as a service technician and was running his own crew as a project manager for our construction team.

Fast forward three years and we’re pleased to announce Coner’s promotion to maintenance manager.

“It’s extremely gratifying to move Coner into a position of leadership,” says Rick Mathews, Madrone Landscape owner and founder. “Coner is known for his quality of work, communication, and professionalism.” Our clients appreciate his in-depth knowledge culled from 18 years in the landscaping service and construction industry.

As manager of our maintenance department, Coner focuses on client care and sustainable maintenance. Madrone has long been proud to go beyond simple mow and blow services, a philosophy Coner embraces. “From our Weekly Maintenance or Garden Detail Maintenance services to our Healthy Gardens option, Madrone focuses on plant health, aesthetics, and the effective use of water,” explains Coner.

A key to reliable service is the skillful supervision and training of our expert crews. A natural mentor, Coner regularly finds opportunities to train and educate his team on landscape maintenance practices and procedures as well as client service skills. “Just as every garden is different, every client has their own unique expectations for their garden and how they work with us. Our services deliver what an individual property or garden needs when it needs it.”

Learn more about our maintenance services. For more details, contact us at [email protected] or (805) 466-6263.