Page 33 - Waterfall City Dec 2024_Jan 2025

Maintaining plant health is about preventing diseases and
pests and taking action if you notice anything “off.” Brown or
yellow leaves (chlorosis), dry patches in your lawn, or other
signs of poor plant health could come from various issues.
Sometimes, yellowing leaves are simply a natural part of the
end of the annual life cycle.

Other times, it may be a sign of insufficient nutrients, lack of
moisture, the presence of insects, disease, overwatering or
lack of sun. Unfortunately, in our industry, Google can only
give you a vague answer on troubleshooting. It is best to
get guidance from a professional at least 2 to 3 times a year,
especially in Gauteng where there are drastic changes in
seasons.

2. A seasonal maintenance plan
Cultural practices (dethatching, scarifying etc.) are best
scheduled for either autumn or spring. Perennials should A stunning garden that has had consistent watering throughout the year.
Groundcover and rocks are an example of creative landscaping.
be cut back for healthy new growth, but some are better to
prune during autumn, and others in the springtime. Autumn
is ideal for cutting back overgrowth – it’s a good time to Regarding turf fertilisers, avoid high nitrogen fertilisers, as
maintain the shape and health of many shrubs, wild grasses, they are known as fast explosive growth and fast leaching
and trees. You can prune other flowering and ornamental fertilisers. A more balanced fertiliser i.e. 12:10:12 is advised
plants when spring arrives to support new, tidy growth. for Gauteng.
In essence, these more aggressive treatments are the
backbone to ensure long-term success. How often you fertilise will depend on the type of grass in
your lawn. While October and February applications are
3. Tree care great for summer, autumn is, in general, a great time to
If your landscape includes trees, it’s essential to care for them fertilise because it’s the season when lawns naturally begin
to ensure their longevity, health, and natural beauty. Trees are storing nutrients in preparation for colder weather.
expensive and take quite a while to mature – an investment
of money and time. Maintaining your trees is a worthy use of 6. Keep on top of landscape maintenance
both. The springtime is ideal for spraying trees with a broad- This is our most important tip! No matter what kind of
spectrum insecticide, which covers any insects and their eggs seasonal or ongoing maintenance your lawn, garden, and
that may be waiting for warmer weather to hatch. landscape may need, it’s ideal to stay on top of things before
issues arise. Maintenance care for all types of landscapes is
Spring is also a great season to prune shrubs or trees in important for fostering the health, beauty, and functionality
anticipation of summer growth. Try and calculate the of your outdoor living spaces.
timing closer to a more consistent rain period. When trees
are properly cared for, it helps them live longer, get better
exposure to sunlight, add value to your property, and even
prevent injuries or property damage from the potential of
falling tree limbs.

4. Do an irrigation audit in winter
Auditing your sprinklers or irrigation system is a proactive way
to maintain your landscaping. It ensures you’re watering your
lawn efficiently, which can help save money, conserve water,
and care for the health of your plants. Once brown spots have
begun to form in your lawn due to a misfiring or poorly aimed
sprinkler, it can be challenging to bring it back to health.

5. Fertiliser applications
Fertiliser keeps a lawn green, healthy, and resistant to weeds
and pests – but fertilisation isn’t just for grass. It’s important The goal is to ensure you and your loved ones enjoy your landscape – whether
to care for trees, shrubs, and flowers by introducing nutrients you’re braaiing, gathering around a firepit, playing sports on the lawn, or just
that support both growth and health. creating memories together, surrounded by nature.

Waterfall City Issue 12 2024/Issue 1 2025 31