Use pesticides responsibly Sometimes it's necessary to treat the plants in your care with pesticides. Their health is important and yours is, as well. Always be sure to apply these 10 safety tips the next you use pesticides. Always read the label and follow the instructions exactly. Never eat, drink or smoke while using [...]
All of us... our families, our friends, our casual acquaintances, and our customers, are worried about the economy, job security, national security, global warming and everything else our modern society has to throw at us. These are trying times. Think back over the past year, how often have you walked into an account to find empty [...]
Successful integrated pest management (IPM) programs tailor a series of pest control strategies to the specific pest damaging the plant. The first step in any IPM program is to correctly identify the pest to be controlled. Insects vs mites Insects and mites are animals belonging to the Phyla Arthropoda and have similar basic characteristics such [...]
Always read the label and follow the instructions exactly. Never eat, drink or smoke while using a pesticide. Keep all pesticides in original containers with their labels clearly visible. You should store the containers in an airtight box to prevent breathing of the fumes. Wear long sleeves, long pants, socks, rubber shoes, goggles and gloves. Gloves [...]
Sooty mold is gross. It forms a black deposit on the leaf surface that blocks out light and air movement. Severe attacks can turn entire leaves completely black. Eventually, it can cause a plant to die from lack of light. I've seen 20' Ficus with 50% of their leaves sticky, black and falling off. These then [...]
Hoya leaves hold on to water Water is one of the key elements for any landscape business. You need water to keep plants alive, and during the long, hot days of summer you use plenty of it. When water supplies get tight, your customers may look to you to make adjustments to cut back [...]
The horrors of low light, offices too warm or too cold, and the indecisions of whether the Ficus really needs a drink this week are starting to fade as we enter early spring. Plants, in general, are coming out of their winter dormancy and we are on the cusp of the growing season for our [...]
Learn how to take a step back If you feel you’re on the verge of being stressed because of your job, take a step back. You might be burning out. Before it becomes full-blown, take these steps to avoid burnout: 1. Find time to play Even if it means forcing yourself. People on the [...]
Do you make the grade? Quality Control, Quality Assurance, Account Check-up...no matter what you call it, it’s still a report card. These reports can show up in your message box without warning. There is no time for cramming, you didn’t even know there was going to be a “test." They go straight to your [...]
Healthy Back Tips for Plant Technicians It's important to avoid back injuries while working Work shouldn’t be back breaking. A plant technician’s job can be strenuous. A typical day will involve lifting water buckets, carrying replacement plants, moving ladders and climbing up and down, crawling on your knees, moving chairs out of the way [...]
