Majestic Outdoor Sanctuary

How to install Pine Straw Video

It's not Fungus - Shrub Repair The Problem As we come into spring, we have received a few calls pertaining to rough looking shrubbery. At first sight, the thought was an early blight (fungus).  A closer inspection revealed that it was winter damage.  Here in the northern area of South Carolina, we have mild winters. This year we had one week that the temps never reached above 40 degrees. It was only a week. But, that was enough. The damage was noticed on Dwarf Yaupon, Loropetalum, and Indian Hawthorn.  The photos are the Yaupon.  The Fix Deep Pruning needs to be done after last frost but before the heat sets in. Don't be afraid to cut deep. Established shrubs are very resilient. Most of cases, we take off all of the remaining foliage. Make sure that all cuts are clean. Use sharp and clean pruners.  This is a great time to clean dead areas and debris from inside the shrub.  Pull excess mulch and dead leaves from under the shrub. Let me kn

Kill Weeds Not The Enviroment  I am so happy to see that you are interested in slowing down the usage of heavy chemicals. Well, let me see if we can help. This little recipe is so easy. It is not dangerous. It is not harmful to you or the environment. Here it is, 1 gallon white vinegar 2 ounces table salt 1 ounce dish soap Use plain table salt. As for the soap, I use Dawn. Mix together thoroughly. Add the mix to a sprayer. Get to it! Suggestions, Only use on a warm, dry day. Do not use close to plants that you want to keep. Price Glyphosate (Roundup Concentrate plus) cost  Walmart $0.81/oz average 3-6 oz per gallon Average price (free water) $3.63 per gallon Organic White vinegar 1.28 gallon Table salt $.06 oz 2 tbls $.06 per mix Dawn ultra $.12 oz  (insecticidal properties) ½ oz $.06 per mix 1 tbls $1.40 per gallon  See.., easy.              Click Here for Help    or     Main Page

Pine straw  Ok so, spring is on its way. One of the many things that need to be done now is mulch. Many people in the Carolinas use pine straw. We have a few customers from the west coast that find this idea amusing. If you are one of those people, we are about to show you that pine straw can hold its own in your landscape design.   Pests Pinestraw has a low cellulose content.  For the most part, it will not attract termites. However, mulch allowed to compost can create a moisture environment in which Termites thrive. It very well can attract all sorts of critters!  Pine straw does not retain excessive moisture which helps to deter most annoying insects.   Cost On a good note, pinestraw is less expensive than mulch. It is easier and faster to install than wood mulch. Most landscapers offer better pricing on pine straw than wood mulch. Give me a call (or your local supply) for a price/coverage comparison. Keep this in mind if you decide to plan your DIY installation.