Landscape Maintenance 101

August 1, 2017

5 WAYS TO CULTIVATE HEALTHY, BEAUTIFUL PLANTS AND ORNAMENTALS
Landscaping adds to a home’s value, curb appeal and over all aesthetics but beyond installation, plants, ornamentals, trees, and shrubs must be properly maintained to keep up their beautiful appearance. Once you make the investment to install, these landscape additions can be long lasting enjoyments to a home if properly cared for. Many plants aren’t necessarily native to the landscape’s region, so maintenance practices must be done to manage soil quality, nutrient availability and water retention to endure environmental stresses to extend the longevity of life and health of the plant. Follow these 5 tips to manage and maintain your plants and landscapes for years to come:

1. ASSESS SOIL CONDITIONS
Just like prior to treating a lawn with product, one must evaluate the soil around their landscape’s plants, trees, shrubs and ornamentals with a soil test. This will not only provide you with valuable information in regards to soil pH near the plants, but it will pinpoint any nutrient deficiencies in need of correction to maintain optimal soil fertility and lush plant growth. TIP: A soil test kit may be obtained from your local county Extension office.
  • NOTE: All plants, trees, shrubs and ornamentals require different levels soil pH and key nutrients to sustain healthy growth. Be sure to learn the type of nutrients and soil pH levels the plants in your landscape require to better understand what products will best maintain the health of your plants.
2. FERTILIZE
Adopting a good fertility program will help maintain the health and growth of your plants. Plants, trees, shrubs and ornamentals with strong fertilizing programs are less susceptible to disease and insect infestations. It’s important to understand that each plant group within a landscape requires different levels of nutrients ( nitrogen , phosphorus , potassium , calcium, copper, molybdenum, magnesium, iron , sulfur, manganese and boron) to sustain healthy growth. Be sure to understand and research your plants before applying fertilizer. Allow your plants one year to become established before beginning your fertilizing program.

Although there is no, all-encompassing plant fertility program to cover all landscapes since all landscapers differ, there are a few tips to consider when developing a fertilizer program for your landscape:

Gardens and Flower Beds
Evenly apply product depending on crop and soil analysis. Work into the soil to a depth of 6 inches. Once plants are established apply additional fertilizer based on County Extension Service recommendations. Apply fertilizer evenly and do not apply fertilizer directly to plant foliage or stems. Water in after application. Always read and follow all label instructions for rate of application.

A picture of a tree showing where to place fertilizer

Shrubs and Trees

For shrubs, apply product when plants are dormant in the late fall or in the early spring. The fertilizer should be kept 12 to 18 inches away from the base of shrubs. Water in after application to remove any fertilizer that may be in contact with the foliage and to move fertilizer into the soil. Always read and follow all label instructions for rate of application.


 For trees, apply product when trees are dormant in the late fall or in the early spring. Apply 0.8 pounds of fertilizer per inch of trunk diameter at chest height (4" diameter tree = 3.2 pounds of fertilizer) evenly under the canopy of the tree where there are no ground cover plants or turf growing. An alternate method is to auger holes 6 to 8 inches deep in a grid pattern as shown in the diagram (left). Keep holes at least 3 feet from the base of the tree. Place fertilizer in holes, evenly applying the appropriate amount of fertilizer under the canopy of the tree using 0.8 pounds per inch of trunk diameter at chest height (a 4" diameter tree would require a total of 3.2 pounds of fertilizer). Then finish filling the holes with dirt. Water fertilizer in after application. Always read and follow all label instructions for rate of application.

 WATER!  Watering your plants is crucial to the maintenance and sustainability of your landscape, especially right after installation and throughout its first full growing season. Since landscapes differ, there can be many different rules to watering. However, here are some general recommendations and tips to consider:


 Plant Watering Recommendations

  • Check plants weekly from Spring to Fall (March 1st – November 30th) for signs of lack of water.  NOTE:  Physical signs your plant needs water include: leaves wilting and drooping, slowed growth, reduced plant production (fewer plant buds, sprouts or fruit), as well as plant damage (leaves will die and drop off plant). 
  • Don’t over water. NOTE: Signs of over watering include: wet soil but wilting plant, brown leaves, edema, yellow falling leaves, new growth falling from plants and root rot.
  • Touch and feel the soil around plants. If the soil is dry to the touch it needs water, if its damp, your plant is okay.
  • If rainfall is insufficient, supply supplement water.

 Trees, Shrubs and Ornamental Watering Recommendations

  • Check new plants weekly for signs of over or under watering.
  • After the plants 1st year, established plants should be watered every 3-4 weeks from June-September.
  • Place hose at the base of plant trunks, allowing for a slow flow of water to saturate the entire root zone.
  • If rainfall is insufficient, supply supplement water.

 MULCH

Mulching around your landscape installations prove to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Mulch around plants helps to:

  • Aid in Weed Control
  • Supply nutrients to the soil after it decomposes
  • Conserve soil moisture
  • Limit soil temperature fluctuation by insulating the root zone
  • Allow more water to penetrate soil by preventing run-off

 PRUNE

Don’t worry, pruning is not destructive and won’t kill your plants; it’s a necessary part of landscape care that will preserve the health of your plants. When left to their own, overtime, plants will put out too much growth, resulting in dense foliage that doesn’t allow it to dry out, making it more prone to disease. The difficult part is knowing how each of your plants should be pruned.


 Pruning Recommendations From Passiglia’s Nursery & Garden Center

  • Flowering Deciduous Trees and Shrubs should be pruned immediately after flowering.
  • Non-Flowering Deciduous Trees and Shrubs ideally should be done during the dormant season. However, pruning may be done anytime the wood is not frozen.
  • Evergreens may be pruned just after new growth is completed, usually in late spring or early summer.
  • Broadleaf Evergreens (Rhododendrons and Azaleas) need to have faded flowers pinched off (deadheading). Be careful not to pinch off next year’s buds along with faded flowers.
  • Whenever a stem or branch is dead or damaged.

 

For more information on our Product Catalog,  Click Here.
  
 For green industry professionals or others interested in ordering Turfcare products, please contact our  Customer Service  to find a distributor near you.

References:
http://www.passiglia.com/gc_plant_care_tips.htm
http://www.greenviewfertilizer.com/articles/choosing-plant-fertilizer/
http://www.teleflora.com/blog/are-you-sure-that-plant-needs-water-5-signs-of-overwatering/
https://www.miraclegro.com/smg/goART3/Howto/how-to-feed-trees-shrubs-%26-ornamentals-trees-shrubs-landscaping-miracle-gro/29500032/7400004/27000004/
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/signs-lack-water-plants-39198.html
https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/fertilizing-trees-shrubs
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm
https://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/trees-shrubs/tree-fertilization-guide/
http://www.greenviewfertilizer.com/articles/to-trim-or-not-to-trim/

The TURFReport Highlights:

Additional Articles and Insights

January 30, 2026
White Plains, NY – January 30, 2026 – Interoceanic Corporation (“IOC”) announced today that its affiliate Spring Valley USA (Spring Valley) , has acquired the blending and packaging assets and business of Turf Care Supply, LLC, a leading manufacturer and blender of turf and ornamental fertilizers as well as ice melt. The combination of Spring Valley and Turf Care Supply’s blending business, forms one of the largest independent lawn and garden fertilizer platforms in North America. The integrated business will have approximately 250 employees and will operate eight manufacturing and blending facilities across seven states, enabling coast-to-coast coverage of customers. By uniting two highly complementary companies, this acquisition creates a world-class turf & ornamental supply company positioned to deliver enhanced value to both professional and retail customers. “This acquisition is a transformative step for our organization,” said Elio Mazzella , President of IOC and Spring Valley. “By bringing Turf Care Supply into the IOC family, we are significantly expanding our reach and capabilities in serving the lawn and garden industry. The combined company will have an unrivaled production footprint and product portfolio, which means we can offer our customers faster service, greater efficiency, and innovative solutions on a national scale. Our goal is to build a world-class platform that blends the strengths of both businesses – the supply chain efficiencies of the combined business and the family-business values – will drive growth for our customers and vendor partners.” With the closing of the transaction, Turf Care Supply, LLC will be renamed Allied Nutrients and continue to manufacture leading enhanced efficiency fertilizers (“EEF”) out of its Martins Ferry, Ohio facility. Mark Mangan, President of Allied Nutrients, commented, “we want to thank our long-time employees that will be joining the IOC family and wish them well. We have known the IOC team for many years and believe this will be a great home. At the same time, we are excited for our remaining employees as we focus our resources and efforts on providing the best EEF solutions to the turf and ornamental market.” With this acquisition, the combined company now operates manufacturing facilities in Wisconsin, Ohio, Texas, Florida, Massachusetts, Tennessee, and Oklahoma, giving it the ability to blend and package fertilizer products and ice melt closer to customers in every major region. Turf Care Supply’s sites in Hatfield (MA), Sebring (FL), Cleveland (TN), and Catoosa (OK) will join Spring Valley’s existing plants in Jackson (WI), Fostoria (OH), Greenville (TX), and Longwood (FL). This expanded footprint significantly reduces transit times and enhances supply reliability for our customers. Maintaining strong customer relationships during and after the integration is a top priority. “All of our customers will continue to receive the outstanding service and product quality they expect, now with the added benefit of a truly national production network,” Mazzella added. Each major customer will be supported by an expanded team dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition and ongoing success. Strategically, the merger of Spring Valley and Turf Care Supply unlocks significant commercial synergies that will benefit both our customers and vendor partners. Together, the company will offer the most comprehensive product portfolio in the industry. “This combination is about building a platform that is perfectly suited to support our customers growth,” said Mazzella. “By combining our R&D and product development efforts, we intend to bring new, high-value solutions to market that neither company could have achieved alone.” The integration of the two businesses is already underway, with a focus on maintaining operational continuity and exceptional customer service throughout the spring season. The company also emphasized that all Turf Care Supply employees are being welcomed into the organization, and that the combined workforce will play a crucial role in driving the business forward. “This is an exciting moment for all of us. By uniting two great teams, we’re creating a stronger company with a shared commitment to our customers’ and vendors success, ” Mazzella noted. About Interoceanic Corporation (IOC): Based in White Plains, NY, IOC is a diversified family-owned company specializing in the production, marketing, and distribution of fertilizer and industrial chemical products. Other notable affiliates of IOC are PCI Nitrogen, Columbia River Nitrogen and EM² Enterprises. With this transaction, the group of businesses consist of over 600 employees. IOC’s family values, entrepreneurial spirit, and supply chain expertise have driven its growth from a regional fertilizer distributor into an international platform that provides reliable, high-quality products. About Allied Nutrients: Based in Brunswick, OH, Allied Nutrients specializes in providing enhanced efficiency fertilizers that support turfgrass and ornamental plant health. Through world-class manufacturing and research and development, the company offers a comprehensive portfolio of products, including SCU, PCU, PCSCU, reacted slow-release nitrogen, and urease inhibitors. These solutions are marketed under leading brands, such as XCU, TTRU, UFLEXX, UMAXX, Nutralene, and Nitroform. 
The hidden cost of filler: how to maximize your fertilizer ROI. Shows hand holding filler .
January 22, 2026
Want to maximize your ROI and turf health? Ditch the filler and replace your blends with Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers (EEFs), Micro packs, Soil Amendments, or organic materials. These alternatives can reduce your seasonal application of bags, reduce overall material cost and deliver better results!
A large fertilizer manufacturing facility
April 18, 2025
Turf Care Supply, LLC, a portfolio company of Platte River Equity, has officially acquired Beaty Fertilizer, the industry respected Tennessee-based manufacturer and blender of custom granular and liquid fertilizers, as well as combination products. This strategic move expands Turf Care’s manufacturing footprint, adds new product capabilities, and enhances overall production capacity.
grubs on dirt
April 18, 2025
Root out Grubs, Before they Attack Yours!
October 9, 2024
Platte River Equity Portfolio Company Turf Care Supply, LLC Acquires Agri-Nutrients, Inc.
October 4, 2024
Dear Valued Industry Partners and Customers, We are pleased to announce that Turf Care Supply, LLC has acquired Agri-Nutrients, Inc. (October 1, 2024) a respected manufacturer in the turf and ornamental fertilizer industry. This acquisition marks a significant step forward in our commitment to providing you with an expanded range of innovative products, services, and industry expertise, all designed to support your business’s continued growth and success. As a valued partner or customer, you will benefit from enhanced service capabilities and an extended geographic reach, thanks to Agri-Nutrients, Inc.’s strategic facility located in the Port of Catoosa, Oklahoma. With this established presence in the Southwest and Western markets, Turf Care Supply, LLC’s expanded operational footprint will allow us to serve a broader region with greater efficiency, delivering even stronger support to help drive your business forward. We are dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition while maintaining the high standards of service you expect. If you have any questions or would like to explore how this new location can enhance your operations, please feel free to contact your account manager or our customer service team. Thank you for your continued trust in Turf Care Supply, LLC . We look forward to partnering with you as we grow together and continue supporting your success. Sincerely, Mark ManganPresidentTurf Care Supply, LLC
A forklift is sitting in a garage next to another forklift.
September 28, 2023
With a focus on providing sustainable manufacturing and reducing carbon emissions, Turf Care Supply has embraced the electric power market with the latest mobile equipment upgrades. Completed in June 2023, TCS received all deliveries of electric forklifts to all three manufacturing facilities, including Hatfield, MA, Martins Ferry, OH and Sebring, FL.
A person is holding a safety data sheet in front of bottles
July 19, 2023
When handling fertilizers and pesticide it is important to follow suggested guidelines and prioritize safety to protect yourself, others, and reduce environmental impact. Here are some general measures to follow: 1.Read and Follow Instructions: Carefully read and understand the product labels, safety data sheets (SDS), and any accompanying instructions provided by the manufacturer. Follow all recommended guidelines, precautions, and application rates.
A tur care advertisement for fertilizer application tips
June 22, 2023
It’s common knowledge that applying too much fertilizer containing high percentages of readily available nitrogen and water soluble nutrients can result in burn damage to plants, but did you know that damage can still occur even if your application rate is correct? Applying the right product at the right rate, but at the WRONG time can have disastrous consequences.
Show More
January 30, 2026
White Plains, NY – January 30, 2026 – Interoceanic Corporation (“IOC”) announced today that its affiliate Spring Valley USA (Spring Valley) , has acquired the blending and packaging assets and business of Turf Care Supply, LLC, a leading manufacturer and blender of turf and ornamental fertilizers as well as ice melt. The combination of Spring Valley and Turf Care Supply’s blending business, forms one of the largest independent lawn and garden fertilizer platforms in North America. The integrated business will have approximately 250 employees and will operate eight manufacturing and blending facilities across seven states, enabling coast-to-coast coverage of customers. By uniting two highly complementary companies, this acquisition creates a world-class turf & ornamental supply company positioned to deliver enhanced value to both professional and retail customers. “This acquisition is a transformative step for our organization,” said Elio Mazzella , President of IOC and Spring Valley. “By bringing Turf Care Supply into the IOC family, we are significantly expanding our reach and capabilities in serving the lawn and garden industry. The combined company will have an unrivaled production footprint and product portfolio, which means we can offer our customers faster service, greater efficiency, and innovative solutions on a national scale. Our goal is to build a world-class platform that blends the strengths of both businesses – the supply chain efficiencies of the combined business and the family-business values – will drive growth for our customers and vendor partners.” With the closing of the transaction, Turf Care Supply, LLC will be renamed Allied Nutrients and continue to manufacture leading enhanced efficiency fertilizers (“EEF”) out of its Martins Ferry, Ohio facility. Mark Mangan, President of Allied Nutrients, commented, “we want to thank our long-time employees that will be joining the IOC family and wish them well. We have known the IOC team for many years and believe this will be a great home. At the same time, we are excited for our remaining employees as we focus our resources and efforts on providing the best EEF solutions to the turf and ornamental market.” With this acquisition, the combined company now operates manufacturing facilities in Wisconsin, Ohio, Texas, Florida, Massachusetts, Tennessee, and Oklahoma, giving it the ability to blend and package fertilizer products and ice melt closer to customers in every major region. Turf Care Supply’s sites in Hatfield (MA), Sebring (FL), Cleveland (TN), and Catoosa (OK) will join Spring Valley’s existing plants in Jackson (WI), Fostoria (OH), Greenville (TX), and Longwood (FL). This expanded footprint significantly reduces transit times and enhances supply reliability for our customers. Maintaining strong customer relationships during and after the integration is a top priority. “All of our customers will continue to receive the outstanding service and product quality they expect, now with the added benefit of a truly national production network,” Mazzella added. Each major customer will be supported by an expanded team dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition and ongoing success. Strategically, the merger of Spring Valley and Turf Care Supply unlocks significant commercial synergies that will benefit both our customers and vendor partners. Together, the company will offer the most comprehensive product portfolio in the industry. “This combination is about building a platform that is perfectly suited to support our customers growth,” said Mazzella. “By combining our R&D and product development efforts, we intend to bring new, high-value solutions to market that neither company could have achieved alone.” The integration of the two businesses is already underway, with a focus on maintaining operational continuity and exceptional customer service throughout the spring season. The company also emphasized that all Turf Care Supply employees are being welcomed into the organization, and that the combined workforce will play a crucial role in driving the business forward. “This is an exciting moment for all of us. By uniting two great teams, we’re creating a stronger company with a shared commitment to our customers’ and vendors success, ” Mazzella noted. About Interoceanic Corporation (IOC): Based in White Plains, NY, IOC is a diversified family-owned company specializing in the production, marketing, and distribution of fertilizer and industrial chemical products. Other notable affiliates of IOC are PCI Nitrogen, Columbia River Nitrogen and EM² Enterprises. With this transaction, the group of businesses consist of over 600 employees. IOC’s family values, entrepreneurial spirit, and supply chain expertise have driven its growth from a regional fertilizer distributor into an international platform that provides reliable, high-quality products. About Allied Nutrients: Based in Brunswick, OH, Allied Nutrients specializes in providing enhanced efficiency fertilizers that support turfgrass and ornamental plant health. Through world-class manufacturing and research and development, the company offers a comprehensive portfolio of products, including SCU, PCU, PCSCU, reacted slow-release nitrogen, and urease inhibitors. These solutions are marketed under leading brands, such as XCU, TTRU, UFLEXX, UMAXX, Nutralene, and Nitroform. 
The hidden cost of filler: how to maximize your fertilizer ROI. Shows hand holding filler .
January 22, 2026
Want to maximize your ROI and turf health? Ditch the filler and replace your blends with Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers (EEFs), Micro packs, Soil Amendments, or organic materials. These alternatives can reduce your seasonal application of bags, reduce overall material cost and deliver better results!
A large fertilizer manufacturing facility
April 18, 2025
Turf Care Supply, LLC, a portfolio company of Platte River Equity, has officially acquired Beaty Fertilizer, the industry respected Tennessee-based manufacturer and blender of custom granular and liquid fertilizers, as well as combination products. This strategic move expands Turf Care’s manufacturing footprint, adds new product capabilities, and enhances overall production capacity.
grubs on dirt
April 18, 2025
Root out Grubs, Before they Attack Yours!
October 9, 2024
Platte River Equity Portfolio Company Turf Care Supply, LLC Acquires Agri-Nutrients, Inc.
October 4, 2024
Dear Valued Industry Partners and Customers, We are pleased to announce that Turf Care Supply, LLC has acquired Agri-Nutrients, Inc. (October 1, 2024) a respected manufacturer in the turf and ornamental fertilizer industry. This acquisition marks a significant step forward in our commitment to providing you with an expanded range of innovative products, services, and industry expertise, all designed to support your business’s continued growth and success. As a valued partner or customer, you will benefit from enhanced service capabilities and an extended geographic reach, thanks to Agri-Nutrients, Inc.’s strategic facility located in the Port of Catoosa, Oklahoma. With this established presence in the Southwest and Western markets, Turf Care Supply, LLC’s expanded operational footprint will allow us to serve a broader region with greater efficiency, delivering even stronger support to help drive your business forward. We are dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition while maintaining the high standards of service you expect. If you have any questions or would like to explore how this new location can enhance your operations, please feel free to contact your account manager or our customer service team. Thank you for your continued trust in Turf Care Supply, LLC . We look forward to partnering with you as we grow together and continue supporting your success. Sincerely, Mark ManganPresidentTurf Care Supply, LLC
A forklift is sitting in a garage next to another forklift.
September 28, 2023
With a focus on providing sustainable manufacturing and reducing carbon emissions, Turf Care Supply has embraced the electric power market with the latest mobile equipment upgrades. Completed in June 2023, TCS received all deliveries of electric forklifts to all three manufacturing facilities, including Hatfield, MA, Martins Ferry, OH and Sebring, FL.
A person is holding a safety data sheet in front of bottles
July 19, 2023
When handling fertilizers and pesticide it is important to follow suggested guidelines and prioritize safety to protect yourself, others, and reduce environmental impact. Here are some general measures to follow: 1.Read and Follow Instructions: Carefully read and understand the product labels, safety data sheets (SDS), and any accompanying instructions provided by the manufacturer. Follow all recommended guidelines, precautions, and application rates.
Show More