Fertilizing turf,shrubs, and trees has become a lot safer and cost effective from the introduction and use of automatic fertilizer and supplement dispensing systems. One of the top dispensing systems on the market " EZFLO SYSTEMS"  is making life a life a lot easier for managers of sports fields,commercial & municipal property managers, and residential landscape owners. By using a patented fluid flow technologies, EZ-FLO'S systems can precisely deliver non-hazzardous water soluble or liquid formulations through hose, in-ground sprinkler or drip systems using micro-dosing, a technique that provides plants the needed nutrients or supplements, each time you water. The combination of fertilizing while irrigating (Called fertigation) provides plants with essential nutrients through both the plants leaves, as well as roots. Fertilizer run-off is virtually eliminated, water usage can be reduced and, the combination of reduced water usage and less fertilizer runoff while using non-hazardous products can help our environment. For a free evaluation of how a "In-Line" fertigation system can help make your life a lot easier and also help you to reduce your cost on water and fertilizer applications, please go to the contact link on my web site or better yet, call me direct at (562) 755-9914. 
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We talk a lot about the types of soils,plants,and trees we work with in landscaping but, one item we very rarely talk about is hand tools. With the help of  Western Garden Book " A Practical Guide To Gardening"  here is a list of some of our very common garden hand tools, their uses and a couple tips on what to look for when choosing your tools.
 Tool: Round-Point Shovel. Uses: To loosen soils, transfer soil to piles or wheel barrow,dig planting holes. Look For: 9" long by 12" wide head for general digging, 6" by 8" head and shorter handle for confined spaces. Round point shovels vary in lift. (The angle formed between the ground and the shovel handle when the shovel head is laid flat on the ground) To make digging easier by minimizing the amount of bending you will have to do,choose a tool with generous lift.
 Tool: Spading Fork. Uses: Breaks large clods of soil to smaller clumps. Look For: Four tines that are square or rectangle in cross-section and about 1/2" wide. Substitutes for spades in clay or rocky soils.
 Tool: Leaf Rake. Uses: Rake leaves,grass clippings and other light weight materials into piles. Look For: Tines are closely spaced and curve downward at the tip arranged in a curving fan pattern with a stabilizing brace about 8" up from the tip of the tines.
 Tool: Square-Nose Shovel. Uses: Scoops up loose dirt,compost, gravel from flat surface. Look For: The best size that picks up the greatest amount of material you can lift repeatedly without tiring. Not meant for general digging.
 Tool: Garden or Soil Rake. Uses: Breaks up large pieces of dirt,levels soil, helps work in amendments into the soil into the top few inches. Look For: Thick steel tines,that are straight or curved. Tines may be attached to the handle directly by a tang or socket, or indirectly by a curving bow. The bow type has more spring or resilience. Select a rake with some weight in it's head. 
These are just a few common hand gardening tools that are used on a daily basis. Take some time and buy only quality, dependable gardening tools. The extra cash you may spend on quality tools will save you hundreds of dollars in time and frustration in purchasing inferior, and cheap products.

Now is the time to consider over seeding those existing sparse coverage lawn areas. Early spring provides the supplemental rain water and the combination of warm days and cool nights to help with the germination process of the grass seed. Properly planned and installed, a over seeded lawn is the least expensive way to increase the density,texture,and over all look of a otherwise crappy lawn. Using premium quality grass seed is a must. Utilizing a premium seed cover is also necessary in order to protect the seed from drying out, and being robbed by hungry birds. Using a quality soil conditioner such as Tri-C Humate with Mycrorizye is also very helpful in establishing a strong root system for the seed and providing needed microrbal activity to the soil to improve the soil environment. Go to the web sites listed on my links page to link with Southland Sod Farms for information on how to over seed and where to purchase premium grass seed and, link to Tri-C Products to learn more about high in quality soil conditioners. For seed topper, Kelloggs "Topper"is a industry favorite. Over come the bad with the good and enjoy a strong,healthy, naturally "GREEN" lawn today.

Spring time brings the traditional season to do rose pruning. When properly pruned, your rose's will give you a display that will be the talk of your town. Rose pruning is very important to the health of your rose's. Giving the rose time to take a break from blooming is a great way for them to regenerate energy and produce new shoots for the year ahead. There are great books and brochures on rose pruning that you can purchase at the local nurseries and home improvement stores and, you can also find great information on proper rose pruning online. Be sure to purchase yourself a set of quality pruning shears and loppers for your project. Corona is a household name in quality pruning products so be sure to check out what they have available. Applying a insect retardant such a volck oil after your pruning will provide your rose's with protection from "Over-Wintering" pest that find their way into the cracks and crevices of the rose bark. The application of a systemic fertilizer will also provide energy and pest protection for your rose's. The last finishing touch to round out your pruning experience is to add a quality mulch on top of the base/root zone of the rose bush. The mulch adds protection to the root system and also helps to retain moisture for the rose to draw from. By incorporating these simple steps, rest assured your rose's will give your a fantastic show for the new year ahead.