Frequently Asked Questions & Landscaping and Lawn Management Tips
2010 Pine straw Ordinances for the City of Raleigh and the Town of Cary
City of Raleigh, NC, Ordinance 13-3019. Effective December 1, 2010 – Ban On Pine Straw Adjacent To Multi-Family Dwellings: The use of pine straw may not be used within 10 feet of all buildings other than single family homes and duplex's.
Town of Cary, NC, FD10-07 Ordinance Section 16-3. Approved for immediate implementation on May 13, 2010: No pine straw or any other landscape cover material with a fire rate of spread more than 24 inches per minute shall be placed, kept, or stored within 10 feet of buildings with combustible exterior construction including, but not limited to, vinyl, aluminum, masonite, or wood siding. (a) Exception: Detached single family residential structures not utilized as an "R-4 Home Daycare" or "R-4 Residential Care Home" as defined in the North Carolina Building Code.) More information about the Cary Pine Straw Ordinance.
City of Durham as of 10/22/10. The City of Durham Fire Marshall confirmed that there is no ordinance currently in place regarding the ban of pine straw in any situation. It may not be addressed until mid-2011.
Water Restrictions for Local Cities and Towns in the Triangle NC:
- Wake County Water Restrictions and Conservation Measures Summary
- Town of Apex Alternate Day Watering Schedule
- Towns of Cary & Morrisville Alternate Day Watering
- City of Durham Odd-Even Watering Schedule
- Town of Fuquay-Varina Water Conservation Notice
- City of Raleigh Water Restriction
Did you know that a liquid pesticide applicator by law is not supposed to apply pre or post-emergents if the wind is above 10-15 mph (depending on the specific product)?
The spray drift puts other properties at risk and the wind diminishes the effectiveness of the application on the intended target. Requirements are clearly marked on all liquid pesticides.
Did you know that a granular fertilizer application followed by mowing does not affect the effectiveness of the application?
Granular fertilizer is slow release, begins activating as soon as it hits the ground, and typically lasts 6 to 8 weeks. Therefore, when you apply a granular application, it is not affected by mowing at any time after it is applied.
However, you do need to wait 24 hours to mow after applying a liquid application to allow it time to dry. Rain and watering within 24 hours of a liquid application may negate the effectiveness of the application. Water does not affect a granular application so there are no time requirements for this type of application.
Did you know that you should set irrigation systems to water before and after the sun rises and sets?
It allows the moisture to reach the roots instead of evaporating on touch. You should also set the system to water normally on non-mowing days to ensure turf is not saturated at the time of service. This promotes best turf results and optimal energy efficiency in the growing season.
Did you know that fertilization alone will not control broadleaf weed and crabgrass growth?
Pre-emergent applications for the turf, plants, or flower beds may be applied in January and February for best results to prevent germination of crabgrass. As the name implies, a pre-emergent is used for preventive maintenance. Pre-emergents provide a film barrier over the turf or plants when applied. Mowing will not disturb this barrier with the proper cutting blade height.
However, traffic on lawn such as spikes or pets digging or extreme heat may diminish the effectiveness of a pre-emergent. Post-emergent applications may be applied in conjunction with pre-emergents to destroy the growth of broadleaf weeds (which have already germinated). Post-emergents are applied directly to the turf or plants and are not impacted by traffic.
Did you know that later winter is a great time for planting but you need to use caution in the selection of plant material?
Ensure that the plant material was covered during times of frost and freezing temperatures at the nursery. Exposure to the elements may not be obvious, but could affect the root development and make growth and survival more difficult.
Did you know that seasonal pruning is not the same for all shrubbery?
Evergreens like hollies need to be pruned at the start of the growing season until the first frost. Flowering shrubs like azaleas need to be pruned after they have finished blooming (will vary depending on plant variety). Ornamental grasses like pampas need to be pruned after they go dormant (in the winter).
Did you know that pine straw is not always the same?
There are different qualities of pine straw For example, North & South Carolina offer long-leaf pine needles, while Georgia & Florida offer shorter needles (called slash pine) & have a white tip and are typically less expensive. Vendor selection will determine the “cleanness” of the needles.