Q: I have a steep slope in my backyard that is covered with English ivy. What's the best ground cover I can plant instead to avoid erosion of the slope? It's pretty shady. We back up to a park where the ivy grows uncontrolled. Jennifer Lewis, email
A: I know this upsets the native plant people, but in some situations English ivy is the only plant that can succeed in a shady slope. The only other plant that I can think of that can thrive in dense shade is liriope. Consider removing some of the smaller inconsequential shrubs on the slope so you can walk on it easily. It's not terribly hard to maintain an ivy-free zone a couple of feet wide around the trees and shrubs you like. You can maintain an ivy-free strip between your property and the park property by spraying glyphosate (Roundup, etc) every couple of months.
Q: How can I get rid of tall fescue in centipede grass? Kris Mercer, email
A: There are herbicides labeled to remove fescue grass from centipede but you can accomplish the same result without cost. All you have to do is manipulate the growing conditions to favor centipede grass and discourage fescue. Set your mowing height at 1 1/2 to 2 inches high. Fescue hates being mowed that low. If we have a hot summer, the fescue will fade out and the centipede grass will thrive.
Q: My new fescue lawn has been growing well and has been cut twice. My landscaper used weed and feed granules but after five days I see no change in the weeds. Is it safe to put down liquid weed killer now? Donna F., Acworth
A: Herbicide granules can fail if the weed leaves aren't thoroughly wet before application. The usual recommendation is to wait until the grass has been mowed a couple of times before you apply any type of weed killer. This insures the grass is mature enough to avoid damage from herbicide chemicals. Since your lawn is still young, I would use a half-strength spot spray of liquid weed killer now. Wait a few weeks to see if a second application is needed.
Q: Is it OK to put rubber mulch around the base of my trees? L. C. Parker, email
A: I do not recommend using rubber mulch. Even though it does an adequate job preventing weeds, the stuff is hard to keep clean and it does not naturally decompose and feed the soil like organic mulch would.
Q: I transplanted a large blueberry bush early last fall. I have other blueberry bushes that are fully leafed out now, but the transplanted one is only 20 percent leafed out. Should I remove berries to reduce stress or let the plant figure things out? Steve Whitley, email
A: I think your instinct is exactly right. Pull off all the berries so the plant can direct its energy toward root and limb recovery. Consider a light application of organic fertilizer like Holly-Tone or Dr. Earth.
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