Common Materials

Course

Common Materials

At this level, it is important to have a basic understanding of the most common materials used in the maintenance department. You will learn more about these materials in the next levels.

Roundup QuikPro

Kills all weeds, will damage plants and lawn; PPE should be worn when handling herbicides. That would include pants, long sleeve shirt, gloves, and eye protection.

Spring Fertilizer

Used to fertilize bulbs when new growth appears in spring, perennials, and groundcovers.

spring fert

Preen (Pre-emergent Herbicide)

Apply pre-emergent weed control to all shrub, groundcover, and perennial beds before mulching; PPE should be worn when handling herbicides. That would include pants, long sleeve shirt, gloves, and eye protection.

Shredded Bark Mulch

Applied to shrub beds, tree rings, and woody ornamental groundcovers (such as junipers, cotoneaster, etc.). Existing beds should be mulched with about 1 inch or enough to maintain a 2-inch total depth.
bark

Compost 3/8"

Compost is a nutrient-rich, organic material that is created through the decomposition of organic matter. Used to improve soil quality and fertility of planting bed by tilling into existing soil. Also used to top-dress (mulch) annual and perennial beds. Sometimes substituted with mushroom substrate.
compost2

Mushroom Substrate

Mushroom substrate is a material or medium used in the cultivation of mushrooms. It serves as a nutrient-rich environment that provides the necessary food source for mushroom mycelium (the vegetative part of the fungus) to grow and eventually produce mushrooms. When this substrate is spent (can no longer be used to grow shrooms) we purchase it and use it to improve soil similar to compost. It is used to top-dress (mulch) annual and perennial beds. Mushroom substrate is sometimes substituted with compost. Mushroom substrate may also be used to top-dress newly seeded lawns and for flower bed preparation.

Debris

This is the expendable refuse created from our landscaping activities. This can include organic debris for composting, litter, garbage and fill (sod, soil, stones, etc.). All debris should be removed from the property unless noted on the work order and disposed of in separate piles at our facility.
Trash Image

Deer Netting

Deer netting, also known as deer fencing, is a type of protective barrier used to prevent deer and other wildlife from accessing and damaging plants. It consists of a mesh or net-like material made from various materials such as polyethylene, nylon, or metal, and it is designed to create a physical barrier that deters deer from entering an area.
deer fence 2

Deer Repellant (Liquid)

Deer repellent, also known as deer spray is a substance or product designed to deter deer from entering an area, feeding on plants, or damaging landscapes. These repellents work by emitting odors, tastes, or sensations that are unpleasant or frightening to deer, thereby discouraging them from staying or feeding in the treated area. Defient, liquid fence and spotrete are brands of deer repellent.
Deer and Rabbit Mace

Summer annuals

These are a category of flowering plants that complete their entire life cycle—germination, growth, flowering, seed production, and death—within a single growing season, which typically spans the warm months of spring, summer, and early fall. These plants are known for their vibrant colors and are often used to add seasonal color to gardens, borders, containers, and landscaping during the summer months. We plant them in late spring – early summer.

Tropical Plants

For clients with summer annual displays, we often use tropical plants as specimen annuals as they will not survive our winters. We use them for a single growing season and then replace them in subsequent years.
summer5 2006

Fall Mums

For clients who choose to have fall displays, we often incorporate Fall mums, short for chrysanthemums. Mums are fall flowering plants that are celebrated for their vibrant and colorful blooms. They add a burst of color to landscapes when many other plants are winding down for the year.
mums2

Fall Kale

For clients who choose to have fall displays, we often incorporate fall kale, also known as ornamental kale or flowering kale. It is a popular choice for annual gardens during the fall season. These kale varieties are prized for their vibrant, colorful leaves that intensify in color as the weather turns colder. They can add a striking and unique visual element.
Kale 3

Tulips

Tulips are popular spring-blooming bulbs known for their vibrant and diverse array of flower colors and shapes. They belong to the genus Tulipa and are part of the Liliaceae family. If a client chooses to have Tulips in the program, we plant them each fall for spring blooms.
Best Pink Tulips

Daffodils

Daffodils, scientifically known as Narcissus, are a group of perennial spring-flowering bulbs that are renowned for their cheerful and brightly colored flowers. If a client chooses to have Daffodils in the program, we plant them each fall for spring blooms.
daffodils jetfire shutterstock 1933345733

Grape Hyacinth

Grape hyacinth, botanically known as Muscari, is a charming and easy-to-grow spring-flowering bulbous plant that is popular in gardens and landscapes. It is known for its clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers that resemble a bunch of grapes, which gives it its common name.
grap hyasanth

Potting Soil

Potting soil, also known as potting mix or container mix, is a specially formulated growing medium designed for use in containers, pots, and indoor or outdoor planters. It is engineered to provide an ideal environment for the growth of plants in confined spaces where natural garden soil is not readily available or is not suitable. Potting soil typically consists of a blend of organic and inorganic components that promote good drainage, aeration, and nutrient availability for potted plants.

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