Jeremy Gilbert, Southern Lawn, and Landscape

“It’s All About the Weather “

Whether you like it or not, the weather dictates your landscape needs. I sat down with Jeremy Gilbert, owner of Southern Lawn and Landscape in the Scenic 98 Coastal area, to discuss the challenges of keeping a beautiful landscape beautiful.

Jeremy has been installing and maintaining landscapes since he was 18 years old, so he’s seen a thing or two. As a resident expert, the first thing he tells me is, “There is no such thing as no maintenance. There are low-maintenance options, and people are trending toward artificial turf in shaded areas because grass doesn’t grow in the shade.”

The goal of this story is to explain what to expect from your yard and landscape. Jeremy tells me, “Don’t expect the same thing every year. Droughts, late freezes, and torrential rains, all have different effects on your plants and turf. Just because it was perfect last year doesn’t mean you will have the same results the next year.”

“There are lots of things we can do to mitigate issues, primarily depending on weather conditions. It’s your friend or your enemy.” He also points out that we should know what to expect from our plants. “Everyone loves boxwoods, but they get diseases. Bermuda grass will turn brown in a drought, but will come back after a good rain.” 

What time you water is important. Water early in the morning, not at night. “You don’t want water to sit on the grass and plants, it promotes fungus. Over-watering is an issue too. “Because our soil has so much clay around here, the water sits and creates so many other issues. Our area's high humidity contributes as well.”

Scale on plants is prevalent in this area. dropped leaves create more airflow and will decrease the vigor of scale and enhance new growth. Powdery mildew builds with the temperature. Certain plants need less water, but all plants need some water. 

Jeremy suggests that the first thing homeowners should do is call him, whether it’s new construction or reconstruction before any work begins. Fence off existing plant areas. Compaction from equipment causes stress on plants. "Drench a plant that accepts a plant solution during building and you will always be better off,” he says.

“The sooner you get in touch with a landscaper, the better.” Things you should consider before you start a project, are locating where the water is coming off the roof, installing lighting that won’t damage the landscape, and choosing the right plants for the specific place in your yard.”

“You want your irrigation system working away from your home, not hitting the house. Make sure the water is being broadcast evenly. As plants grow throughout the season, irrigation paths change as new growth blocks the water that worked fine two months ago. Keep plants pruned away from the house.”

Jeremy strives to build good relationships with his clients. “We want to serve a clientele that knows what they want and appreciates the intricacies that a well-maintained landscape requires.” Southern Lawn and Landscape is an employee-driven business with knowledgeable people offering a personal touch.

“We try to stay in touch with our customers,” he says. “We want to be responsive to their needs and stay ahead of seasonal and weather-related issues.” He says on a scale of one to ten, Southern Lawn and Landscape is an eight. “We aren’t the least expensive or the most expensive, but we want clients that invest in their landscape." 

When talking about planning your landscape, Jeremy says it’s mostly about managing expectations. “A lot of people try to put a square peg in a round hole. People who haven’t lived here before often want to bring plants they are familiar with from home, and they just won’t grow well here. It’s important to adapt your yard to your surroundings.”

He offers an example of growing grass in shady areas under trees. “Sod that has been grown in the middle of a sunny field isn’t going to do well when replanted under a tree. There are other options.” He talks about planting in wet areas,  utilizing native plants that need and absorb water. 

He recommends using local plant nurseries instead of big box stores. “Their plants come from everywhere and aren’t going to do as well. I see beautiful photos of plants on Pinterest. They are Photoshopped, I promise.” Landscapes change every year. If your yard is overgrown, he says there is nothing wrong with removing some plants and giving them to a friend. “That’s not a bad thing.”

Jeremy says homeowners need a year-round plan. “I recommend an annual assessment of irrigation, lighting, and landscape. Plants wear out, plan to keep upgrading.” He suggests mowing grass higher in the summer to keep weeds out. Get on a good spray program that uses fewer chemicals and apply them at the proper time. “There are good bugs and bees that you want to protect.”

Some local plants and trees are able to withstand being whipped by the weather, especially in big storms and even hurricanes. Scrub oaks can take salty, sandy soil. Proper pruning is important, and he doesn’t believe in pruning Crepe Myrtles. “Most yards get funguses because the mower blades aren’t sharp. Use pine straw instead of mulch in areas that wash, and use mulch to keep weeds from growing in flower beds."

If you are building a new home, get in touch with your landscaper before you start. Expect to spend 10% to 12% of your building cost on your landscape. “If you decide to purchase smaller plants to save money, say a 3-gallon container as opposed to a 15-gallon container, you will have to fertilize and be patient. It may take three years for that plant to be established in its new environment. I often see homeowners who want to save money on landscaping and are frustrated with the results.

He suggests putting pine straw down twice a year, but only at the opportune time. “May, after the oak leaves have fallen, and again at the end of October in time for the holidays.” The longer you are on a fertilizer plan, the better your yard will look and the less fertilizer you will need. “We use organic fertilizer that is safer for runoff.”

“If you are buying or selling a home, don’t put a bunch of money into landscaping,” he says. “The new owners are going to put their touch into landscaping. Prune off the house and add fresh straw is what I tell my clients.”

Jeremy points out that some plant diseases do occur occasionally, and wipe things out, but they usually play out. “It’s best to be flexible when choosing the right plants for specific areas of your landscape. Patience is key. Agapanthus will be gorgeous for one year and then take two years before they bloom again. A long or late freeze changes everything.” 

Jeremy has been at this for a long time and knows what works and doesn’t work. He’s a good man to know and is happy to come out and do a general assessment of your landscape. “Call us for advice.” Jeremy@SouthernLawnAL.com

Thanks, Jeremy. Always a pleasure!