By Charlie Stonecypher | Contributing Writer
I’d like to touch on something this month that can be applied to landscaping and just about anything we do in life. I’m talking, of course, about “technique.
The Japanese word for technique is “gijutsu,” and it is the most important thing in any type of work, or even things you do around the house. The Chinese call this the “Tao,” or “way of…” Anything worth doing is worth doing correctly. Taking the time to do things right is the key to success. Just throwing money and resources at a project will not even guarantee you success or even completion.
In the case of landscaping, technique is the most important tool we have as human beings. Yes, knowledge is also very important, but sooner or later hands-on actual technique will have to be practiced and learned.
Mowing: This isn’t a mindless practice. Mowing in a different pattern each time prevents ruts in the turf. The height you mow will have a huge impact on the survival of your turf. Bad mowing means constantly compensating for bad symptoms. Find the correct height for your lawn and make sure your yard person or you are mowing correctly.
Pruning: Rushing through pruning with power tools can have several bad results, whether it’s weakening the plant or creating a shape that will need constant attention to maintain. Hand-pruning is much more intimate, and you come to understand each cut and how it affects the shape in the future.
Planting: Plant depth and placement is crucial to healthy growth. Research the depth, light conditions and spacing for correct technique.
Leaf blowers: Mass leaf blowing can be bad. I often see leaves that are blown into bed areas which then pile up around the base of plants getting stuck, gradually smothering them out. Another bad result of leaf-blowing is clogged up drainage ditches. Rather, blow the leaves into a pile for pick-up and disposal. Or, if you’re mulching with leaf litter spread it with a rake.
If you’re like me, you can appreciate fine workman(person)ship, and we can’t achieve this without technique. See you next month and Aloha!
Charlie Stonecypher is the owner/operator of Suncoast Irrigation and Landscaping. They help people (mostly residential) troubleshoot their landscape and outdoor areas, and specialize in products that work smart without wasting resources. Contact Charlie at 843-327-8642 or suncoastirrigation@gmail.com.
