Q: I haven't pruned my ornamental grass for five years. Now the clump is dead in the middle. If I prune the grass low and flat, as you recommend, will grass grow back in the center? Susan Smith, email
A: I guess it's theoretically possible but there won't be rapid regrowth. The easiest thing to do is to dig up the entire clump, divide it into four equal sections and replant (or share) each one in a sunny spot.
Q: I'm having work done on my septic tank. I planted expensive zoysia sod there in 2015 and don't want it destroyed. Charlotte Humphries, email
A: I think you have a reasonable chance to save the zoysia if you dig sod pieces deep enough to preserve a lot of the roots. The best way to do this is to rent a sod cutter machine. It cuts a strip of sod eighteen inches wide and two and one-half inches deep. The pieces can be set aside and replanted after the septic tank work is finished.
Q: I recently heard about the benefits of horticultural therapy. Are there classes I could attend to explore making this into a career? Mary Broussard, Dacula
A: Horticultural therapy has been a great benefit to many. It uses plants and gardening activities to benefit the psychological, social, and physical well-being of clients. I don't know of specific local classes but there are national organizations that promote the practice. I have links to those groups as well as to local college horticulture programs at bit.ly/GAhtherapy.
Q: We have shake shingle siding and small woodpeckers have been making holes in it, plus lots of noise! Randall Hoye, email
A: This is typical woodpecker behavior in early spring. Contrary to popular belief, they aren't typically looking for insects. Instead, they're looking for a mate. The drumming attracts other woodpeckers to the area. They do not usually make a hole in siding for a nest. Solutions like hanging a plastic snake or owl or pie pans nearby are not usually effective to deter drumming. I was told by one gardener that hanging a noise-activated scare spider nearby worked two years in a row. Otherwise, you can just tolerate the noise for a few weeks. As day length increases, the urge to drum will decrease.
Q: I am new to yard care. Is a lawn maintenance company worth the money? Thomas Gray, email
A: It all depends on your ability to correctly identify your lawn grass and the weeds you might see. With that knowledge you can determine what it needs for proper care. Then you have to apply the care properly and consistently. Good lawn care companies train their employees regularly and schedule maintenance tasks throughout the year. Consider hiring a company for a year and being home every time they come out. Ask questions about things you don't understand. If you feel comfortable with the task, take over their job for a year. You may have success or you may decide their skill is worth paying for. I have more details at bit.ly/chooseland.
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