Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

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How do I get grass out of my flowerbeds?
How much will my truck hold?
Why should I amend my soil?
What are some fast growing trees that provide shade?
What would make a good hedge?
How can I get rid of mosquitoes?
Can I get rid of the algae in my pond or fountain?
What are the small round items in the plant I just bought?
When is it safe to plant?
What are some good shade plants?
How do I make my own stepping stones?
What is an RPZ?
What is backflow?
Is it important for all irrigation systems to be winterized?
When do I fertilize my lawn?
Do you deliver or provide services to my area?
Do you give free estimates?
How can I keep animals out of my garden?
Hydrangeas
Azaleas
Roses
Trees

How do I get grass out of my flowerbeds?

For most problems, there is a product called Over-the-Top that can be used. On the inside label of the product there are directions about what level of harm can come to plants around the area where applied. For more information, call Horticare Nursery at 501-407-2727.

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How much will my truck hold?

It will vary depending on the size of the truck and the material. Generally speaking, with dry conditions, an 8-ft. truck bed will hold the following: 1-2 yards of mulch, 1/2-1 yard of topsoil, river rock, sand, compost, and pea gravel. For prices on these products, please visit our Nursery Products page.

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Why should I amend my soil?

You should always add a compost mixture when adding a new plant. This will help the plant to establish without having to overcome rocky or clay terrain while establishing its' root system.

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What are some fast growing trees that provide shade?

There are many choices for fast growing shade trees that will provide shade. Here are a few: October Glory Maple, Tulip Poplar, Sycamore, and Green Ash.

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What would make a good hedge?

You can use either Wax Leaf Ligustrum or Arborviate, if planted closely together.

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How can I get rid of mosquitoes?

There are several ways to keep those pesky critters at bay. You can add to your landscape the plants Scented Geranium and Marigolds. If you have a fountain or water feature, add a Mosquito Dunk or you can add Microbe-Lift BMC. Another option is burning Sandalwood sticks in the area you plan to be.

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Can I get rid of the algae in my pond or fountain?

For a non-toxic solution, use Microbe-Lift PL. This product is natural and will not harm fish, animals, or humans. It will help reduce the algae and aid in keeping your water clear and healthy.

What are the small, round items in the plant I just bought?

Don't be alarmed, it is just fertilizer. Sometimes it is a product called Oscomote, which is a form of fertilizer. You treat them as you would any fertilizer.

When is it safe to plant?

For spring planting in Arkansas, you can generally plan to start placing plants outside after April 15. This is typically a safe date for the last bit of expected frost.

What are some good shade plants?

You might be surprised at the large variety of choices you have. There are foliage plants, perennials, annuals, trees, and more. The best news is that you do not have to sacrifice flowers if you have a lot of shade. There is something for everyone, no matter your preference. For ideas, please stop by our nursery located at 7901 Stagecoach Rd., Little Rock, Arkansas.

How do I make my own stepping stones?

* Remove the cover of a 14" pizza box and tape the inside with duck tape to re-enforce the sides from the weight of the concrete.
* Spread vegetable shortening all over the inside of the box.
* Use Ready Quick concrete mix to the consistency of wet sand (like you would use to build a sand castle).
* Fill the pizza box up to at least 1-1 1/2" deep
* Decorate with anything you want, such as buttons, beads, marbles, shells, etc.
* Let dry for at least 24 hours, then use a water sealant to protect it from the elements.

What is an RPZ?

This mechanical assembly, know as a Reduced Pressure Zone, consists of eight different parts. Four test cocks, two shut-off valves, and two independently operating spring-loaded check valves with a reduced pressure zone between the checks. The purpose of this device is to prevent back pressure and back siphonage.

What is a backflow?

There are actually two type of backflow: 1) back pressure, and 2) back siphonage. Back pressure occurs when the non-potable source pressure exceeds the potable water pressure. Back-siphonage occurs when the supply line pressure falls below atmospheric pressure (14.7 PSI at sea level).

Is it important for all irrigation systems to be winterized?

Yes. In Arkansas, winter temperatures can damage your system if not winterized or winterized properly. RPZ's are made from bronze and can crack and burst if not drained. Horticare suggest winterizing your system in late October. Winterization involves turning off the source of water, at the meter, removing the RPZ, turning the controller off and bleeding water and pressure from irrigation lines. Horticare does offer this service. Call 501-407-2727 for an appointment.

When do I fertilize my lawn?

Horticare has a chart you can follow on our Lawn Chemical page.

Do you deliver or provide services to my area?

For a fee, Horticare will deliver to almost anywhere in Arkansas. In Little Rock, the delivery charge is $60.00 and goes up according to the distance out. We provide landscaping services throughout the entire state (We cannot travel outside of Arkansas due to Plant Board regulations). For chemical treatments and irrigation services, Horticare will travel to Benton, Bryant, Conway, Little Rock, Maumelle, North Little Rock, and Sherwood. For lawn maintenance services, Horticare will travel will travel to Bryant, Little Rock, Maumelle, North Little Rock, and sometimes Cabot (call for more details).

Do you give free estimates?

Our Chemical, Irrigation, and Maintenance divisions provide free estimates all year long. However, due to a large influx of calls and clients from spring through fall, our landscaping division charges a consultation fee of $75-$100. During the winter months (usually November to February), there is no fee for landscape consultation. We do not provide estimates for insurance claim purposes.

How can I keep animals out of my garden?

To keep dogs and cats out of your garden, there are two products you can use: Fertilome's Dog-Gon, in granules or spray, and De-Fence pellets. Clean the area (s) you need to treat and place product or spray. To keep our deer, rabbits, or squirrels, there are also two products you can use: Fertilome's Rabbit & Deer Repellent or the product Deer Off. These can be used on edibles as well. Just wash well before consumption.

Hydrangeas

For producing blue flowers, your soil needs to be acidic. If it is not, add iron sulfate to the soil. To produce pink blooms, you need to add lime to the soil.

Azaleas

Here are some tips of Azalea care:

        *    Prune after they bloom (usually about May) or you will sacrifice blooms.
        *    Never plant too deep. Azaleas should be planted about 1 inch above the existing soil level.
        *    Never use too much mulch around the crown of the plant. It will suffocate.
        *    Always keep moist, but never wet. If planted near trees, make sure they get plenty of water,
              especially in summer.
        *    Give lots of light, but not direct light in the afternoon.
        *    Fertilize two weeks after the bloom and once before October.
        *    If your foliage looks whitish and dotted, spray for lace bugs with Triple Action by Fertilome after they
              have bloomed.
        *    If your inner leaves begin to shed in the summer, do not worry. This is normal. If more than inner
              leaves begin to shed, there may be another problem.

Roses

    How do I get rid of Black Spot on my roses?
             You can control Black Spot, but not prevent it. Spray with any fungicide that contains the ingredient
              Daconial. This will really help. Also, remember to keep the ground around your roses clean from all
              diseased leaves and you should be successful.

    When do I prune my roses back?
              If you cut your roses back, the best time in Arkansas is February after the danger of harsh weather.
              Otherwise, wait until after they finish blooming to enjoy your roses to the fullest.

Trees

When is the best time to prune back my trees?
The type of tree will determine when you need to prune and trim.

              Spring Bloomers
                        Prune back selectively after they flush out with new growth, usually 3-4 weeks after they
                        bloom.

               Mid to Late Summer Bloomers
                        Prune back when dormant or in the fall.

    When should I fertilize?
               Fertilize with an all purpose tree fertilizer in May and then again in July.

    When should transplanting be done?
                It is best to transplant in the fall, unless they are in containers or are Bull and Burlap.  These types
                can be planted any time, but fall is still best.