August in Fayetteville brings blistering heat, high humidity, sandy-clay soils, and shifting rainfall patterns—making it a pivotal month for maintaining garden health and planning for fall yields.

1. Water Wisely: Know When Enough Is Enough

August often brings sudden evening rain showers. Keep a rain gauge handy to avoid overwatering. Aim for about 1–2 inches of deep water per week, applied early in the morning (6 a.m.–10 a.m.) to minimize evaporation and reduce disease risk.

2. Fertilize and Deadhead for Sustained Growth

Feed established annuals and vegetables with a slow-release, nitrogen-rich fertilizer to help them thrive under heat stress.
Deadhead spent blooms—especially on marigolds, zinnias, petunias, and dahlias—to promote continuous flowering in August and into fall.

3. Pest Scouting and Fire Ant Control

Inspect garden beds weekly for common summer pests like aphids, spider mites, caterpillars, and borers—especially on squash, cabbage, and roses.
August is also the prime time to lay fire ant bait in the landscape to minimize future mound activity.

4. Plant for Fall: Vegetables & Perennials

August is ideal for sowing a fall garden in Fayetteville. You can plant:

• Cool-season veggies: lettuce, spinach, arugula, Chinese cabbage, kale, radish, kohlrabi, mustard, turnip, carrots, beets, and rutabaga. You can even try a second crop of squash or cucumbers for a late harvest.
• Perennials for fall blooms: Try New England asters, hardy chrysanthemums, coreopsis, Russian sage, and black-eyed Susan. These thrive when planted in late summer.

5. Prep Beds & Propagate Now

• Refresh mulch layers to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
• Divide overcrowded perennials like daylilies and irises.
• Take semi-ripe cuttings of shrubs like hydrangea and roses for propagation.

6. Shade & Protect During Heat Waves

Extreme temperatures can stress shallow-rooted or young plants. Use shade cloth (30–50%) or temporary row covers to shield tender crops and container plants during peak midday sun.

7. Harvest & Store Correctly

Keep harvesting vegetables and herbs regularly—overripe produce attracts pests and reduces plant vigor.
Collect seeds from mature plants like sunflowers and poppies, and ensure they are fully dry before storing in a cool, dry spot.

8. Soil Health: Amend & Test

Fayetteville soils are often sandy or clay-heavy, which can lack organic matter. Add compost or aged manure to improve drainage and fertility. If you’re planning a fall garden, now’s a great time to get a soil test to guide any lime or fertilizer applications.

By combining smart watering habits, strategic planting, pest vigilance, and soil care, Fayetteville gardeners can keep their landscapes thriving in August and set the stage for a successful fall season. A little effort now goes a long way in the months ahead.

1. Eliminate all standing water (it’s the #1 rule)
Mosquitoes breed in tiny puddles—even bottle caps. Empty water from buckets, planters, tarps, pet bowls, and saucers every few days. Keep rain barrels sealed, dump old tires, and turn yard features upside down if not in use.

Install bubblers or water wigglers in birdbaths or decorative pools to keep water moving, which disrupts mosquito breeding.

2. Use safe larvicides where water can’t be eliminated
Drop in mosquito dunks or granules containing BTI—biodegradable and safe for pets, wildlife, and people. These kill larvae before they grow into biting adults.

3. Maintain your yard to discourage resting areas
Keep grass trimmed, vegetation thinned, and weeds removed. Dense growth along edges creates humid, sheltered zones where mosquitoes hide during the day.

4. Protect yourself when outdoors

• Wear long sleeves and pants during peak hours (dawn and dusk)
• Use EPA-approved repellents with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Set up fans or screened-in areas to disrupt mosquito flight paths

5. Consider professional perimeter treatment if needed
Some local providers offer barrier sprays that reduce mosquito populations for up to 21 days. This is a great option if your yard backs up to woods, water, or dense vegetation.

With the right mix of prevention, protection, and yard care, you can keep mosquitoes at bay all summer long.

Summer is in full swing, and your Fayetteville garden needs a little extra TLC to thrive in the heat. Here are our top tips to keep your landscape happy, healthy, and blooming this July:

1. Water Wisely

Water deeply and early in the morning to reduce evaporation and help moisture reach the roots. Skip daily watering unless it’s absolutely necessary—instead, aim for a good soak once or twice a week. Drip irrigation and soaker hoses are great tools to help you conserve water while keeping your plants hydrated.

2. Mulch Matters

A 2–3 inch layer of mulch (like pine straw, wood chips, or shredded bark) helps retain moisture, keeps roots cool, and blocks weeds from taking over. It’s a summer garden essential!

3. Feed Mid-Season

Many plants appreciate a nutritional boost mid-summer. Apply a slow-release fertilizer or side-dress with compost to support strong blooms and continued growth, especially for heavy feeders like tomatoes, peppers, and roses.

4. Prune & Deadhead

Keep your garden looking neat and blooming strong by removing spent flowers and lightly trimming back overgrown perennials. You can also pinch back mums and other fall bloomers early in the month to encourage bushier growth.

5. Watch for Pests

Japanese beetles, spider mites, aphids, and squash bugs are common this time of year. Keep an eye out and use organic treatments or hand-pick pests when possible. Also, be on the lookout for signs of fungal disease and water early in the day to reduce humidity around your plants.

6. Harvest Regularly

Keep your veggie garden productive by harvesting often! Pick tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, and squash frequently to encourage more growth and keep pests at bay.

7. Plant with Heat in Mind

You can still plant in July—just choose wisely! Go for heat-tolerant annuals like zinnias, lantana, and celosia, or plant fast-growing veggies like okra, pole beans, and squash for a late-summer harvest.

8. Prep for Fall

Late July is a great time to start seeds for your fall garden. Begin indoors with crops like broccoli, cabbage, and collards so they’re ready to transplant in August. Don’t forget to amend your soil now with compost to set the stage for success.

9. Lawn & Landscape Care

Keep fescue lawns mowed at around 3 inches to shade the soil and hold in moisture. Alternate mowing patterns to avoid compaction. Hold off on fertilizing fescue until fall, and avoid heavy pruning on spring-blooming shrubs right now.

10. Work Smart in the Heat

Always garden during cooler hours—early morning or late afternoon. Wear sunscreen, drink plenty of water, and don’t forget your hat!

Need help with landscape maintenance or planning a new garden bed? Give Green Biz a call for expert advice, quality plants, and professional landscaping services right here in Fayetteville.

Happy gardening!

1. Mowing Helps Suppress Weeds

One of the simplest ways to reduce weed pressure is to maintain a consistent mowing schedule. When grass is cut at the correct height, it shades the soil surface, which limits the amount of sunlight that reaches weed seeds. That means fewer weeds sprouting and less competition for your turfgrass. On the other hand, letting your lawn grow too tall and then cutting it all at once stresses the grass and gives weeds an opportunity to thrive.

2. Watering Encourages Deep Root Growth

Water is critical during hot, dry periods—not just to keep your lawn green, but to develop strong roots. When you water deeply and less frequently, grass roots are encouraged to grow deeper into the soil in search of moisture. Deep roots make your lawn more resilient against drought, pests, and disease. Shallow watering (or not watering at all) leads to shallow roots, which dry out faster and can’t withstand stress.

3. Grass Needs Support to Survive Heat

During a drought, grass goes into survival mode. Some varieties will enter dormancy and turn brown. While this is natural, it can weaken the turf over time—especially if it’s compounded by foot traffic, mowing too short, or weed competition. Giving your lawn just 1 inch of water per week (including rainfall) during a dry period can help maintain enough vigor to prevent long-term damage.

4. A Healthy Lawn Saves You Time and Money Later

When you neglect your lawn during a dry spell, it doesn’t just bounce back with the next rain. Thin, stressed grass allows weeds to move in, increases soil compaction, and opens the door to fungal issues. Once the damage is done, it often requires reseeding, herbicides, or even sod replacement—all of which are costly and time-consuming. Staying consistent with mowing and watering is the easiest way to protect your investment.

Final Tips:

• Keep mower blades sharp and avoid cutting more than 1/3 of the grass height at a time.
• Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation.
• Focus on deep, infrequent watering rather than daily sprinkling.
• Raise your mower height during summer to shade the soil and retain moisture.

Your lawn is only as strong as the care you give it. Stay consistent—even when it’s hot—and your grass will reward you with durability, beauty, and fewer headaches down the road.

Summer is officially heating up in Fayetteville, and that means your garden needs a little extra attention. June brings longer days, warmer nights, and the perfect time to keep your landscape thriving. Here are our top gardening tips for this month:

1. Water Wisely
With rising temps, your lawn and garden are thirstier than ever. Aim for deep watering early in the morning to reduce evaporation and prevent fungal issues. Lawns typically need about 1 inch of water per week—either from rain or irrigation.

Need help with your irrigation system? Green Biz offers expert installation and repair services to keep your yard properly watered all summer long.

2. Deadhead and Prune
Keep your annuals and perennials blooming longer by regularly deadheading spent flowers. Now is also a good time to lightly prune spring-flowering shrubs like azaleas and rhododendrons—before they set buds for next year.

3. Mulch Matters
If you haven’t freshened up your mulch or pine straw yet, don’t wait! A 2–3 inch layer helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Bonus: it gives your beds a polished, professional look.

4. Watch for Pests
June is prime time for Japanese beetles, aphids, and spider mites in our area. Check the undersides of leaves regularly and treat early with insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed. Keeping your plants healthy with proper watering and spacing also helps prevent infestations.

5. Feed Your Veggies
Fayetteville’s summer vegetable gardens are in full swing. Tomatoes, peppers, squash, and cucumbers all benefit from monthly feeding. Use a balanced fertilizer or compost tea to boost growth and fruit production.

6. Check Your Lawn
Zoysia and Bermuda lawns love the heat—but June is a good time to check for thin patches, weeds, or signs of stress. Core aeration and proper fertilization can make a big difference. And remember: don’t mow too short! Keep grass blades at 2.5–3 inches for a healthy lawn.

7. Plan for Summer Color
Add heat-tolerant blooms like lantana, vinca, salvia, and daylilies for vibrant summer color. These thrive in Fayetteville’s sun and humidity and attract pollinators, too!

Need a hand with any of the above? From mulch delivery to landscape design, Green Biz has been helping Fayetteville grow since 1979.

Call us at 910-323-8811 or visit www.greenbiznursery.com to schedule your free quote today.
And don’t forget to check us out on Facebook for weekly tips, project highlights, and seasonal specials!

Let’s break down why swing pipe should be the standard for any serious irrigation project.

What Is a Swing Pipe Setup?

A swing pipe is a flexible, corrugated polyethylene pipe that connects the sprinkler head to the main lateral water line. Instead of attaching the sprinkler directly to rigid PVC, the swing pipe creates a movable joint that can absorb shocks and adjust for positioning.

Why Use Swing Pipe?

1. Impact Protection

Lawnmowers, foot traffic, and even vehicles are common causes of broken sprinkler heads. The swing pipe acts like a shock absorber, bending and flexing under pressure or impact rather than cracking. This greatly extends the life of your irrigation heads and minimizes maintenance costs.

2. Easier Head Positioning

Swing pipe gives installers the ability to precisely place the sprinkler head, even in challenging terrain like sloped ground, compacted soil, or around hardscapes such as sidewalks and patios. With a rigid setup, this kind of precision is difficult — and expensive — to achieve.

3. Flexibility in Tight or Awkward Areas

Not all landscapes are open fields. Many have tight spots, retaining walls, terraces, or garden beds that require creative head placement. Swing joints allow for easier access and maneuverability, especially during repairs or retrofitting.

4. Simpler Installation

According to irrigation supply experts like Drip Depot, swing pipe can actually reduce the number of tools needed during installation, make trenching less precise, and simplify height adjustments — saving both time and labor.

Legal Requirements: North Carolina Example

In some states, using swing pipe isn’t just best practice — it’s required by law. In North Carolina, for instance, the North Carolina Irrigation Contractors’ Licensing Board outlines in its Best Management Practices that:

“Swing joints or flexible pipe (i.e., ‘funny pipe’) shall be used to connect sprinklers to laterals to allow for head adjustment and movement.”
— NCICLB Best Management Practices, p. 14 (source PDF)

This rule recognizes the industry consensus: rigid connections are more vulnerable and harder to maintain. By mandating swing joints, states like North Carolina are reducing unnecessary water waste and system failures caused by broken or misaligned heads.

Conclusion: Make It Standard Practice

Even where it’s not required by law, installing swing pipe is one of the smartest decisions you can make for a reliable, durable irrigation system. It’s a small investment that pays for itself in fewer repairs, easier adjustments, and longer equipment life.

Whether you’re a professional contractor or a homeowner planning an install, using swing pipe is not just a good idea — it’s the right way to build. And in many places, it’s the only legal way to do it.

May is a big month for gardeners in Fayetteville! With warmer temperatures, longer days, and the last frost well behind us, this is the time to dig in and bring your garden to life. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned green thumb, here are your top gardening tips for May:

1. Plant Warm-Season Annuals and Vegetables

Now’s the time to plant summer favorites like:

• Flowers: Marigolds, zinnias, salvia, lantana, and vinca thrive in Fayetteville’s sun and heat.
• Vegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, okra, squash, cucumbers, sweet potatoes, and beans will love the warm soil.
  Be sure to water deeply and mulch to conserve moisture.

2. Fertilize Your Lawn

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda, Zoysia, and Centipede are actively growing now. Apply a slow-release fertilizer in early to mid-May to promote thick, healthy turf.
Keep an eye on rainfall—most lawns need about 1 inch of water per week. Interested in irrigation? Click here!

3. Deadhead and Prune for More Blooms

Deadheading (removing spent blooms) encourages many flowering plants to keep blooming.
Also, lightly prune shrubs like azaleas and camellias after flowering to maintain shape without sacrificing next season’s buds.

4. Control Weeds Before They Take Over

Warmer weather means weeds are waking up, too!
Apply mulch around garden beds and hand-pull intruders early to keep things under control naturally. For lawns, a post-emergent herbicide can help, but follow product labels carefully.

5. Watch for Pests

May brings increased activity from insects like aphids, whiteflies, and Japanese beetles. Check the underside of leaves and use natural remedies or insecticidal soap where needed.
Bonus tip: Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings!

6. Refresh Mulch Around Trees & Beds

Adding 2–3 inches of fresh mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature as summer approaches. Be sure to keep mulch away from tree trunks to prevent rot.

7. Check Irrigation Systems

Before summer heat kicks in, make sure your irrigation system is working efficiently.
Check for leaks, adjust heads, and make sure your timer is set for early morning watering.

Need Help With Your Landscape This May?

Green Biz is here for all your gardening and landscaping needs—from irrigation checkups and lawn care to mulch delivery and full garden makeovers.

Call us at 910-323-8811 or request your free quote online at www.greenbiznursery.com

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As the weather warms up, it’s time to think about getting your irrigation system up and running for the season. Proper startup and efficient operation are crucial for maintaining a healthy landscape while conserving water and saving money. Here’s a guide to help you:

1. Inspect and Repair

• Check for leaks: Examine pipes, sprinkler heads, and valves for any signs of damage or leaks. Even small leaks can waste a significant amount of water over time.
• Test each zone: Manually activate each zone to ensure that all sprinkler heads are functioning correctly and spraying in the right direction.
• Adjust sprinkler heads: Make sure sprinkler heads are properly aligned and not spraying onto sidewalks, driveways, or other non-landscaped areas.
• Check the backflow preventer: Inspect the backflow preventer for leaks and ensure it’s functioning correctly to prevent contamination of your water supply.
• Clean nozzles: Remove any debris or clogs from sprinkler nozzles to ensure even water distribution.

2. Set Your Controller

• Program your controller: Set up a watering schedule that is appropriate for your plant types, soil conditions, and local climate.
• Consider seasonal adjustments: Adjust your watering schedule throughout the year as water needs change with the seasons.
• Use smart controllers: Consider installing a smart controller that automatically adjusts watering based on weather conditions, saving water and improving efficiency.

3. Water Wisely

• Water deeply and infrequently: Encourage deep root growth by watering less often but for longer periods.
• Water early in the morning: Minimize water loss due to evaporation by watering in the early morning hours when temperatures are cooler and wind speeds are lower.
• Use drip irrigation: For planting beds and trees, consider using drip irrigation, which delivers water directly to the plant roots, reducing water waste.
• Hydrozones: Group plants with similar water needs in the same irrigation zone to avoid over- or under-watering.

4. The Importance of Efficiency

• Water conservation: Efficient irrigation systems help conserve water, a valuable resource, and reduce your water bill.
• Healthy landscape: Proper watering promotes healthy plant growth, preventing brown patches and diseases.
• Cost savings: By minimizing water waste, efficient irrigation systems save you money on your water bill.
• Environmental responsibility: Conserving water is an important aspect of environmental stewardship.

5. Professional Help

• Consider a professional: If you’re unsure about any aspect of irrigation system startup or maintenance, consider hiring a qualified irrigation professional. They can help ensure your system is operating efficiently and effectively.

By following these tips, you can ensure your irrigation system is ready for the spring season, providing the right amount of water to the right areas, and contributing to water conservation efforts.

This isn’t just about tidying up your yard (though that helps!). It’s about arming yourself with information and inspiration so you can effectively communicate your needs and desires. Here’s your essential pre-meeting checklist:

1. Define Your Vision (and Be Realistic!):

• Dream Big, Then Narrow It Down: Start by brainstorming! What do you want your outdoor space to be? A tranquil retreat? An entertainment hub? A productive vegetable garden? Jot down all your ideas, even the seemingly outlandish ones.
• Identify Your Needs vs. Wants: Now, prioritize. What are the absolute necessities? Perhaps a functional walkway or improved drainage. What are the “nice-to-haves,” like an outdoor kitchen or a fire pit? Understanding this distinction will help you and your local landscape designer stay on track and within budget.
• Consider Your Lifestyle: How do you and your family actually use your outdoor space? Do you host frequent gatherings? Have young children or pets? These factors will heavily influence the design.
• Think Long-Term: How do you envision using the space in 5, 10, or even 20 years? Planning for future needs can save you time and money down the road.

2. Gather Inspiration (Visuals are Key!):

• Create a Mood Board: Collect images from magazines, websites (like Pinterest and Houzz), and even your neighborhood walks that resonate with your aesthetic. This visual representation will be invaluable in communicating your style to your landscape design expert.
• Note Specific Elements: Don’t just save pretty pictures. Pay attention to specific plants you like, hardscaping materials that appeal to you (stone, brick, pavers), and design features you admire (water features, pergolas, outdoor lighting).
• Consider Your Home’s Style: Your landscape should complement your home’s architecture. Take photos of your house from different angles to share with your designer.

3. Understand Your Property (The Lay of the Land):

• Know Your Boundaries: Have a copy of your property survey if available. This will clearly define your property lines and any easements.
• Assess Existing Conditions: Take note of sun and shade patterns throughout the day, drainage issues, existing vegetation you want to keep or remove, and any slopes or unusual features.
• Consider Utilities: Be aware of the location of underground utilities (gas lines, water pipes, electrical wires). This is crucial for safe and effective local landscaping.
• Take Photos and Videos: Capture different areas of your yard in various lighting conditions. This will give the designer a better understanding of the existing space.

4. Set a Realistic Budget (Money Matters!):

• Determine Your Investment Range: Be honest with yourself about how much you’re willing and able to spend on your landscape design and installation. This will help your designer tailor their recommendations accordingly.
• Understand the Costs: Research the general costs associated with different landscaping elements (plants, hardscaping, labor). This will help you have realistic expectations.
• Be Prepared to Discuss Budget Early: Don’t wait until the end of the design process to discuss budget. Open communication from the start will save everyone time and frustration.

5. Prepare Your Questions (Be an Active Participant):

• Write Down Your Queries: Think about what you want to know about the designer’s process, experience, portfolio, and fees.
• Ask About Sustainability: If environmental considerations are important to you, inquire about their sustainable landscaping practices.
• Clarify the Scope of Work: Understand what services the designer provides (design only, design and installation, project management).
• Inquire About Timelines: Get a general idea of the design and potential installation timelines.

By taking the time to prepare before your initial meeting with a local landscape designer, you’ll be setting yourself up for a smoother, more collaborative, and ultimately more rewarding experience. You’ll be able to clearly articulate your vision, understand the possibilities, and work effectively with a professional to create the outdoor oasis you’ve always dreamed of. So, get started on this checklist today, and get ready to watch your landscaping dreams blossom!

April is when spring officially settles in, and Fayetteville gardens begin to come alive! With longer days, warmer temps, and the soil warming up, now is the perfect time to dig into your garden projects. Whether you’re planting for beauty, food, or pollinators, here are some region-specific tips to help you make the most of your April garden.

1. Refresh Your Beds and Containers

After a long winter, your garden beds could use a little TLC:

• Clean out dead leaves, mulch, and debris to prevent pests and disease.
• Top off mulch to help retain moisture and keep weeds down.
• Mix in compost or soil conditioner to boost your soil health—your plants will thank you!

2. Plant Warm-Season Annuals & Vegetables

The risk of frost is typically behind us by mid-April in Fayetteville, so now’s the time to plant:

• Flowers: Marigolds, petunias, zinnias, salvia, and impatiens can go in now.
• Veggies: Tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans, okra, and cucumbers love the warm soil.
• Don’t forget herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley!

3. Feed Your Trees and Shrubs

April is ideal for feeding established landscape plants:

• Use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer for shrubs and trees like azaleas, camellias, and hollies.
• If you’re growing fruit trees, apply fertilizer early in the month and make sure they’re getting plenty of water as they set fruit.

4. Prune (But Not Everything!)

• You can lightly shape evergreen shrubs and cut back cold-damaged growth from perennials.
• Wait to prune spring bloomers like azaleas and dogwoods until after they flower, or you’ll lose next year’s buds.
• Deadhead spent blooms on bulbs like daffodils—but leave the foliage to die back naturally.

5. Watch for Early Pests

April can bring unwanted visitors to your garden:

• Aphids, caterpillars, and scale insects might start to appear.
• Try using neem oil or insecticidal soap as a natural solution.
• Encourage beneficial bugs like ladybugs and lacewings to stick around by planting pollinator-friendly flowers.

6. Water Smart

• Fayetteville spring rains help, but don’t rely on them entirely.
• Make sure newly planted flowers, veggies, and trees are getting about 1 inch of water per week.
• Water early in the day to avoid evaporation and discourage disease.

Bonus Tip: Start a Pollinator Garden

April is the perfect time to plan a garden that supports butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Try planting:

• Milkweed
• Coneflower
• Black-eyed Susan
• Bee balm
• Salvia

These native plants are beautiful and low-maintenance—and your local pollinators will love them.

Need Help Getting Started?

At Green Biz, we’re all about making your outdoor space a place you love. Whether you need fresh plants, landscape design, or expert advice, we’re here to help every step of the way.

Visit our garden center to see what’s blooming!
Have questions? Schedule a free quote or chat with our landscape experts.
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