Whole Document Navigator (Click Here)    ---------------------------------- Top of Document Sample Lawn and Landscape Maintenance Contract -Part I--Lawn Maintenance Considerations -Part II--Landscape Plant Maintenance Considerations: Trees, Palms, Shrubs, Ground Covers -Part III--Considerations for Optional Services -Part IV--Considerations for Insurance, Licenses, Permits and Liability --Situations which the Contractor may deem are his/her responsibility: --Situations which the Contractor may deem are not his/her responsibility: -Part V--Property Description, Services Provided, Terms, Conditions and Charges (for possible inclusion) Additional Information Specific Lawn Fertilization Guidelines -General Information Pertaining to All Lawn Grasses -Zoysia -Bermuda -Centipede -St. Augustine -Bahia Footnotes Disclaimer Copyright Infomation

Considerations for Developing a Lawn and Landscape Maintenance Contract¹

Sydney Park Brown and Michael J. Holsinger²

The following sample contract includes landscape maintenance practices which are in accordance with University of Florida recommendations. These recommendations are based on research and objective-based information specific to Florida and reflect the philosophy of Environmental Landscape Management (ELM). The ELM concept integrates environmental concerns into landscape maintenance. Water and energy conservation, fertilizer and pesticide management, and the reduction and reuse of plant clippings are important components of ELM.

The sample contract suggests additional topics which you should consider when creating a contract or reviewing one. This sample was developed as an educational resource for lawn and landscape professionals and users of their services. However, final decisions on what to incorporate in a lawn and landscape contract must be made by individual professionals and their clients. This publication is distributed with the understanding that the authors are not engaged in rendering legal advice or opinion, and that the information contained herein is not to be regarded or relied upon as a substitute for professional legal service. If you require legal advice or opinion seek the services of an attorney.

Sample Lawn and Landscape Maintenance Contract

Part I--Lawn Maintenance Considerations

A. Mowing, Edging and Trimming: Contractor will mow turf areas as needed according to seasonal growth. No more than 1/3 of the leaf blades should be removed per mowing. Mowing shall be with a ( reel / rotary /or mulching ) mower. Mower blades will be sharp at all times to provide a quality cut. Mowing height will be according to grass type and variety (attached recommendations for mowing heights ). Contractor will leave clippings on the lawn as long as no readily visible clumps remain on the grass surface 36 hours after mowing. Otherwise, contractor will distribute large clumps of clippings by mechanical blowing or by collecting and removing them. In the case of fungal disease outbreaks, contractor will collect clippings until the disease is undetectable.

Figure 1. Remove No More Than 1/3 of the Leaf Blades

Figure 2. Reel Mower

Figure 3. Rotary Motor

Figure 4. Mulching Mower

Figure 5. Remove Large Clumps of Clippings by Mechanical Blowing or Collecting

Contractor will edge tree rings and plant beds and all buildings, sidewalks, fences, driveways, parking lots, and other surfaced areas bordered by grass will be edged every other mowing during the growing season. Turf around sprinkler heads will be trimmed or treated with a non-selective herbicide so as to not interfere with or intercept water output. Isolated trees and shrubs growing in lawn areas will require mulched areas around them (minimum 2-foot diameter) to avoid bark injury from mowers and filament line trimmers and to reduce root competition from grass. Establishment and maintenance of such mulched areas will be charged to the customer. Contractor will clean all clippings from sidewalks, curbs, and roadways immediately after mowing and/or edging. Contractor will not be sweep, blow or otherwise dispose of clippings in sewer drains.

B. Fertilization: Contractor will fertilize turf areas as per the maintenance specifications attached (see the University of Florida recommendations provided as an example at the end of this document). Complete fertilizers shall be granular in composition and contain 30% to 50% or more of the nitrogen in a slow- or controlled-release form. The ratio of nitrogen to potash will approximate 1:1 or 2:1 for complete fertilizer formulations (Examples: 15-5-15, 16-4-8, 15-0-15, 12-2-14, 14-3-14). While nitrogen fertilization is based on the desired growth rate and type of turfgrass being grown, the phosphorus fertilization rate should be based on the analysis of a lawn soil sample and the recommendations obtained from it. The fertilizer shall also contain magnesium and micro-nutrients (i.e., manganese, iron, zinc, copper, etc.). Iron shall be in the sulfate, sucrate or chelated form. Fertilizer will be swept off of walks and drives onto lawns or beds. After fertilization, a minimum of ¼ inch of water will be applied by the client.

C. Pest Control: The contractor will inspect lawn areas each visit for indications of pest problems and advise the client or representative of such problems.

Upon confirmation of a specific problem requiring treatment, the contractor will apply pesticides as needed and only in affected spots, whenever possible using the least toxic, effective pesticide. All applications of pesticides and fertilizations will be performed when temperatures are below 90°F and wind drift is negligible. No pesticide will be applied to turf areas without the express approval of the client. This includes weed and feed formulations. The contractor will keep records on pests identified and treatment(s) rendered for control.

All pest control service is in addition to the basic contract charges. The contractor will charge the client per job, based on materials cost plus labor. The cost will be agreed on by client and contractor before such service is rendered.

Pesticide applications will be made in accordance with the rules and regulations governing use of pesticides in Florida. The contractor will post alerts and notify pesticide-sensitive persons (if applicable) of the pesticide application. The pest control applicator will be operating under License # __________. Expiration Date ___________.

D. Thatch Control: (See Part III--Optional Services)

Part II--Landscape Plant Maintenance Considerations: Trees, Palms, Shrubs, Ground Covers

A. Fertilization: Ornamental shrubs, trees and ground covers planted less than three (3) years shall be fertilized 4 to 6 weeks after planting and then two to three times per year for the following 3 years. Two of the annual applications are normally scheduled around February and October for south Florida, March and September for north Florida. A third application can be made during the summer. Rate will be 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per application.

Mature palms in the landscape shall be fertilized four times per year at a rate of 5 to 8 lbs. each application. Palms under 8 feet tall will receive 2-5 lbs. per application four times per year.

Fertilizers should contain equal amounts of nitrogen and potassium, and 30% or more of both elements should be available in slow-release form. The fertilizer should also contain magnesium and a complete micronutrient amendment. The fertilizer analysis shall be similar to 8-2-8, 15-5-15, 14-3-14, 12-2-14, etc.

Established shrubs and trees in lawn areas exposed to lawn fertilizations will not be fertilized supplementally. Fertilizer applied to shrubs and trees planted in beds shall be broadcasted over the entire plant bed. Fertilizer may be punched shallowly into the soil on berms and slopes where runoff is likely.

Nutrient deficiencies shall be treated with supplemental applications of the specific lacking nutrient according to University of Florida Cooperative Extension recommendations.

B. Pest Control: Contractor shall practice Integrated Pest Management (I P M) to control insects, diseases and weeds on and around perennials, ground covers, shrubs, vines and trees. This will include frequent monitoring and spot treatment as necessary using the least toxic methods. All applications will be performed when temperatures are below 90°F and when wind drift is negligible. First choice will be insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils and biological controls such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) formulations. Weeds in beds or mulched areas will usually be removed mechanically or by hand. Upon client approval, herbicides may be employed for heavy weed infestations.

C. Pruning: Shrubs will be pruned with hand shears as needed to provide an informal shape, fullness and blooms. Palm pruning will be done one (1) time per year to remove brown fronds and seed heads. No green palm fronds shall be removed. No pruning will be done during or immediately following growth flushes, branches will be pruned just outside the branch collar, and pruning paint will not be applied. Sucker growth will be removed by hand from the base of trees. No herbicides will be used for this purpose. The contractor will remove all litter. It is recommended that an ISA Certified Arborist be consulted and/or utilized for tree work.

D. Mulching: All mulched areas will be replenished once a year during the winter months (Nov. - Feb). "Alternative" mulches (pine bark, pine needles, melaleuca, eucalyptus, recycled, etc.) should be considered. Mulch should be maintained at a depth of 3 inches. All curb, roadway and bed edges will be trenched to help contain the applied mulch. Additional mulch will be billed at $____ /yard. Mulch will not be placed against the trunks of plants.

Part III--Considerations for Optional Services

A. Annual Flowers: Replacement of existing annuals will be done ____ times per year. Major renovation of annual beds shall be accomplished once per year in ____.

Replacement of dead or injured plants due to pests or contractor negligence will be done without cost to client. Replacement of stolen, vandalized or damaged flowers will be charged to the client at a rate of ____ /plant.

Annuals and perennial bedding plants shall be fertilized monthly, at a rate of ½ pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of area every 3-4 weeks. An optional fertilizer schedule would use a slow-release fertilizer such as Osmocote or Nutricote incorporated in the bed at planting, and applied thereafter according to label directions. The contractor will be responsible for weed control. Pest control will follow IPM principles.

B. Irrigation Systems: The contractor shall inspect and test rain shut-off devices and other components and zones in the irrigation system monthly and shall reset zone times according to seasonal evapotranspiration changes. Minor adjustments and repairs such as head/emitter cleaning or replacement, filter cleaning, small leaks, and minor timer adjustments shall be made by the contractor, with the client paying for parts. Once a year, the contractor will recalibrate each zone to allow for the application of ½ inch - ¾ inch of water per irrigation. During weekly maintenance, the contractor will note and report to client any symptoms of inadequate or excessive irrigation, drainage problems, etc. If the contractor is responsible for irrigation scheduling, timers will be shut off during the summer rainy season and the system will be turned on manually as needed.

Figure 6. Recalibrate the Sprinkler System

Repairs or system service beyond the above scope will be charged to the client at an hourly rate per worker plus parts. The contractor will notify the client or client's agent, of the nature of the problem before repairs are made.

C. Thatch Removal/Scalping: Removal of thatch (a spongy, build-up of dead and living grass shoots, stems and roots) should be considered when thatch thickness exceeds one inch. The best time for thatch removal is March through August when the turfgrass is rapidly growing. Thatch removal is not included in the basic contract charges. Verticutting , using a vertical mower , is the recommended method of mechanically removing thatch from Bermuda, St. Augustine, Zoysiagrass, and Centipede lawns. Blade spacing shall be 3" for St. Augustine , 2-3" Centipedegrass , and 1-2" for Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass .

Figure 7. Thatch Layer

Figure 8. Removing Thatch with a Vertical Lawnmower (Verticutting)

Figure 9. Vertical Mower

Figure 10. St. Augustinegrass

Figure 11. Bahiagrass

Figure 12. Bermudagrass

Figure 13. Zoysiagrass

Bahiagrass lawns can be power-raked rather than verticut. Contractor will remove resulting debris. Remaining turf will be mowed and irrigated with at least ½ inch of water. One week after dethatching, apply ½ to 1lb. of soluble nitrogen (e.g. 1-3 lbs. ammonium nitrate, or 2.5-5 lbs. ammonium sulfate per 1000 square feet to encourage recovery). Fertilizers must be watered in immediately following application to avoid plant burn. Scalping (close mowing) is not a substitute for vertical mowing and is not recommended for this purpose.

D. Other Services Available: (Priced per job by contractor):

Figure 14. Power-Rake

• Installation of a rain shut-off device for irrigation systems.

• Landscape additions/renovations/transplanting. Transplanting of existing trees will be accomplished during January/February for dormant species, and April - August for palms

• Plant or turf replacement (not attributed to contractor negligence).

• Maintenance of aquatic sites.

• General hauling.

• Major irrigation system modifications.

• Interior plant maintenance.

Part IV--Considerations for Insurance, Licenses, Permits and Liability

The contractor will carry liability amounts and worker's compensation coverage required by law on his/her operators and employees and require same of any sub-contractors and provide proof of same to the client. The contractor is also responsible for obtaining any licenses and/or permits required by law for activities on client's property.

Situations which the Contractor may deem are his/her responsibility:

1. Any damage due to operation of his equipment in performing the contract.

2. Failure to comply with all laws pertaining to protected plant species, such as the mangrove

3. Damage to plant material due to improper horticultural practices.

4. Improper replacement or retrofitting of irrigation system components.

5. Injury to nontarget organisms due to application of pesticides.

Situations which the Contractor may deem are not his/her responsibility:

1. Death or decline of plant materials due to improper selection, placement, planting or maintenance done before the time of this contract.

2. Damage due to improper irrigation components existing at the time of contract execution.

3. Exposed cables/wires or sprinkler components/lines normally found below the lawn's surface.

4. Flooding, storm, wind, fire or cold damages.

5. Disease or damage to lawns or landscape plants caused by excessive irrigation or lack of water due to inoperative irrigation components provided he/she reported these to client, or irrigation restrictions imposed by the Water Management District or civil authorities.

6. Damage caused by or to any item hidden in the landscape and not clearly guarded or marked.

7. Damage due to vandalism.

Part V--Property Description, Services Provided, Terms, Conditions and Charges (for possible inclusion)

1. Contracts are normally for maintenance of property at an identified location and specifically described. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. The term of the contract. A contract can be for a single year or multiple years with a beginning and ending date. A cancellation provision should be included.

3. The charge for monthly services should be specified. A deadline date should be included and late payment charges should also be considered. Any additional or unscheduled services agreed upon by client and contractor could be billed separately.

4. Contract renewal provisions may also be included.

The contract is signed and dated by both parties, and can be witnessed or notarized.

Additional Information

Table 1 lists mowing height recommendations, and Table 2 lists fertilizer recommendations for various types of grasses. Both are provided for informational purposes. These are recommendations of the Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences as of August, 2001.

Specific Lawn Fertilization Guidelines

General Information Pertaining to All Lawn Grasses

Do a soil test every year. These tests form the basis for a lawn fertility program and recommendations from the soil tests should take precedence over recommendations given here. In particular, phosphorous levels are best determined by soil testing. Since many Florida soils are high in phosphorous, little or no phosphorous may be needed for satisfactory lawn growth. Your county's Cooperative Extension Service office has instructions and bags for taking soil samples and submitting them to the Extension Soil Testing Lab at the University of Florida for analysis.

In general, two weeks after spring re-growth, apply a complete fertilizer (such as 16-4-8) with at least 30% of the nitrogen in slow-release form (e.g. natural organics such as sludge or coated ureas, IBDU, ureaform, etc.). Slow-release (water-insoluble) nitrogen, provides nutrients to lawns over an extended period. Therefore, fewer applications are required annually to sustain a healthy lawn.

Fertilizer recommendations are made in terms of pounds of nitrogen. Fertilizers are normally applied at the rate of 1 pound of nitrogen per 1000 square feet. This is calculated by dividing the percent nitrogen (the first number of the analysis) into 100. Example: If applying a 16-4-8 fertilizer, divide 16 into 100 which equals approximately 6. Therefore, 6 pounds of the 16-4-8 should be spread over 1000 square feet of lawn area.

In the fall, apply a fertilizer high in potassium (such as 12-2-14). Potassium helps the grass overwinter, tolerate cold temperatures, and green-up quickly in the spring. Do not apply nitrogen too late in the growing season, as this can slow re-growth the following spring. A general guideline for the last fertilizer application is mid-September for north Florida, early October for central Florida and late October for south Florida. Note: Where applications of iron are recommended below, be advised that iron materials will stain sidewalks, driveways, and other masonry surfaces.

Zoysia

To look their best, zoysiagrasses require frequent fertilization. They should receive 3 to 6 pounds of nitrogen during the growing season.

Bermuda

Generally, bermudagrasses require higher levels of fertilizer than other warm-season grasses for acceptable growth, durability and appearance. For use in a landscape application, most bermudagrass cultivars should receive 3 to 7 pounds of nitrogen during the growing season from start of spring.

Centipede

Established centipedegrass lawns have very low fertility requirements and do not respond well to excessive use of fertilizer, especially nitrogen. Do not over-fertilize centipedegrass with nitrogen to equal the color of St. Augustinegrass. Over-fertilization of centipedegrass can result in centipedegrass decline, insect pressure and thatch accumulation. Centipedegrass should receive 1 to 3 pounds of nitrogen during the growing season.

A common problem of centipedegrass is a yellowing called chlorosis, which is usually caused by iron deficiency. This condition is most severe where soil pH is high (above 6.5) or where the soil contains large quantities of calcium or phosphorus. This yellowing is generally worst in early spring, when daytime temperatures are warm but nighttime temperatures are still cool. Warm daytime air temperatures promote leaf and stolon growth, but cool nighttime temperatures limit root growth. The roots then cannot assimilate enough nutrients to supply the growing leaves, and the leaves turn yellow. As soils become warmer, this temporary nutrient deficiency disappears. If the soil is naturally iron deficient, iron fertilization is necessary. You can apply chelated or ferrous sulfate iron evenly and easily with a hose-end applicator. Apply the ferrous sulfate at the rate of 2 ounces in 3 to 5 gallons of water per 1000 square feet. Consult the label for chelated iron rates.

St. Augustine

St. Augustinegrass should receive 2 to 6 pounds of nitrogen during the growing season. A low-maintenance St. Augustinegrass lawn should be fertilized twice a year, once in the spring and again in the late summer while the grass is actively growing. At the maximum maintenance level, a St. Augustinegrass lawn should receive 4 to 6 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet per year. Apply fertilizer four or more times per year. Consider complete fertilizers containing micro-nutrients, such as manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), sulfur (S), magnesium (Mg) and boron (B), especially if the soil test reveals micro-nutrient deficiencies. A newly sprigged or plugged lawn will require additional applications to encourage rapid coverage. This fertility level, combined with the proper watering practices, will result in a good quality lawn with minimal thatch buildup. Heavy fertilization rates will produce a faster buildup of thatch than lower rates. High rates of fertilizing can also encourage insect damage to the turf. Additionally, the mowing and watering work increases with the amount of fertilizer you apply.

On high pH (>7.0) soils or where high pH water is applied, yellow appearance may be an indication of iron or manganese deficiency. For iron deficiency, spray ferrous sulfate (2 ounces in 3 to 5 gallons of water per 1000 square feet) or a chelated iron source (refer to the label for rates), to temporarily enhance color. Iron applications every 6 weeks will help maintain green color and, unlike nitrogen will not promote excessive top-growth. If applications of iron do not correct the problem, a manganese deficiency may be the cause of yellowing. Apply manganese as a fertilizer with micro-nutrients or as straight manganese sulfate (MnSO4) bimonthly at 0.41 pound per 1000 square feet (18 pounds per acre) to relieve deficiency symptoms if they are present.

Bahia

Established bahiagrass lawns have relatively low fertility requirements. Bahiagrass should receive 2 to 4 pounds of nitrogen during the growing season.

One of the disadvantages of bahiagrass is its tendency to yellow due to iron deficiency. You can overcome this problem by using a complete fertilizer, which contains iron, or by adding a separate iron material. Soluble iron sources you can be use include ferrous ammonium sulfate, ferrous sulfate and various iron chelates. Avoid oxide forms of iron, as they will be much less effective than sulfates or chelated forms in alleviating iron deficiency. Apply ferrous sulfate at the rate of 2 ounces in 3 to 5 gallons of water per 1000 square feet. This can be applied evenly and easily with a hose-end applicator. Follow chelated iron label directions if using one of these materials. Iron applications every 6 weeks will help maintain green color and unlike nitrogen will not promote excessive top-growth.

Tables

Table 1. Mowing Height Recommendation: The heights listed are the suggested lengths of the grass blade after mowing. The depth of thatch (if it exists) should not be included in this measurement.

Type Turfgrass	Mowing Height
Bahiagrass and St. Augustinegrass varieties (Raleigh, Floratam, Floralawn, Bitterblue, Floratine, FX 10)	3.0 - 4.0"
Semi-dwarf St. Augustine varieties (Seville, Del Mar, Jade, Palmetto)	1.5 - 2.5"
Bermudagrass (Hybrids)	.75 - 1.5"
Bermudagrass (Common)	1.5"
Centipedegrass	1.5 - 2.0"
Zoysiagrass	1.0 - 3.0"

Table 2. Calendar Guide to Annual Zoysiagrass Fertilization^1,2

Maintenance Level	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N
North Florida
Basic			C		SRN				C
Moderate			C		SRN		SRN		C
High			C	N	SRN		SRN		C
Central Florida
Basic			C		SRN				C
Moderate			C		SRN			SRN		C
High		C		N	SRN		SRN		N		C
South Florida
Basic			C		SRN		SRN			C
Moderate		C		N		SRN		SRN			C
High		C		N	SRN		SRN		SRN		C
1North Florida in this example is considered to be anything north of Ocala. Central Florida is defined as anything south of Ocala to a line extending from Vero Beach to Tampa. South Florida includes the remaining southern portion of the state. 2C=complete fertilizer application (NPK); N=nitrogen application only; SRN=nitrogen only in a slow release form; Fe=iron application only.

Table 3. Calendar Guide to Annual Bermudagrass Fertilization ^1,2

Maintenance Level	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N
North Florida
Basic			C		SRN				C
Moderate			C		SRN		SRN		C
High			C	SRN	C		SRN	Fe	C
Central Florida
Basic			C		N		SRN		C
Moderate		C		N		SRN		SRN		C
High		C	N	SRN		C	Fe	SRN		C
South Florida
Basic		C		N		SRN			C		C
Moderate		C	N		C		SRN		SRN		C
High		C	N	SRN	C	SRN	Fe		SRN		C
1North Florida in this example is considered to be anything north of Ocala. Central Florida is defined as anything south of Ocala to a line extending from Vero Beach to Tampa. South Florida includes the remaining southern portion of the state. 2C=complete fertilizer application (NPK); N=nitrogen application only; SRN=nitrogen only in a slow release form; Fe=iron application only

Table 4. Calendar Guide to Annual Centipedegrass Fertilization ^1,2,3

Maintenance Level	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N
North Florida
Basic				C
Moderate				C		Fe
High				C		SRN	Fe
Central Florida
Basic			C			SRN
Moderate			C			SRN	Fe
High			C			SRN		C
South Florida
Basic			C			Fe				C
Moderate		C		SRN						C
High		C		SRN		Fe				C
1North Florida in this example is considered anything north of Ocala. Central Florida is defined as anything south of Ocala to a line extending from Vero Beach to Tampa. South Florida includes the remaining portion of the state. 2For initial spring application, particularly in North Florida, the recommended time to fertilize is after the last frost. 3C=complete fertilizer application (NPK); N=nitrogen only; SRN=nitrogen only in a slow release form; Fe=iron application only.

Table 5. Calendar Guide to Anuual St. Augustinegrass Fertilization^1,2,3

Maintenance Level	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N
North Florida
Basic			C			Fe			C
Moderate			C		SRN		Fe		C
High			C		SRN	Fe	SRN		C
Central Florida
Basic			C				Fe		C
Moderate			C		SRN		Fe	SRN		C
High		C		N	SRN		Fe	SRN		C
South Florida
Basic			C		SRN		SRN			C
Moderate		C		N		SRN		SRN			C
High		C		N	SRN		SRN		SRN		C
1North Florida in this example is considered to be anything north of Ocala. Central Florida is defined as anything south of Ocala to a line extending from Vero Beach to Tampa. South Florida includes the remaining portion of the state. 2For initial spring application, particularly in North Florida, the recommended time to fertilize is after the last frost. 3C=complete fertilizer application (NPK); N=nitrogen application only; SRN=nitrogen only in a slow release form; Fe=iron application only.

Table 6. Calendar Guide to Annual Bahiagrass Fertilization ^1,2,3

Maintenance Level	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N
North Florida
Basic			C					C
Moderate			C		SRN			C
High			C		SRN		Fe	C
Central Florida
Basic			C		Fe			C
Moderate			C			N	Fe		C
HIgh			C	N		SRN	Fe		C
South Florida
Basic		C				Fe				C
Moderate		C		N		Fe				C
High		C		N		SRN		Fe		C
1North Florida in this example is considered to be anything north of Ocala. Central Florida is defined as anything south of Ocala to a line extending from Vero Beach to Tampa. South Florida includes the remaining portion of the state. 2For initial spring application, particularly in North Florida, the recommended time to fertilize is after the last frost. 3C=complete fertilizer application (NPK); N=nitrogen application only; SRN=nitrogen only in a slow release from; Fe=iron application only.

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Footnotes

1. This document is SS-ENH-09, which replaces Fact Sheet OHC-10, a series of the Environmental Horticulture Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. First published: May 1994. Reviewed: January 1995. Revised: February 2001. Please visit the EDIS Web site at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.

2. Sydney Park Brown, extension agent, Environmental Horticulture, Hillsborough County; Michael J. Holsinger, extension agent, Environmental Horticulture, Sarasota County, Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville FL 32611.

The use of trade names in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information. UF/IFAS does not guarantee or warranty the products named, and references to them in this publication does not signify our approval to the exclusion of other products of suitable composition.

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The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension service.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Larry Arrington, Dean.

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Copyright Information

This document is copyrighted by the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) for the people of the State of Florida. UF/IFAS retains all rights under all conventions, but permits free reproduction by all agents and offices of the Cooperative Extension Service and the people of the State of Florida. Permission is granted to others to use these materials in part or in full for educational purposes, provided that full credit is given to the UF/IFAS, citing the publication, its source, and date of publication.