NALP Horticultural Tech cheat sheet

Soil pH scale runs 0-14; most landscape plants grow best at pH 5.5-7.0, and nutrient availability changes with pH (iron and manganese tie up above pH 7.0; phosphorus ties up below pH 5.5).

Cation exchange capacity (CEC) measures a soil's ability to hold positively charged nutrients; high-clay or high-organic soils have higher CEC than sandy soils.

Macronutrients required in largest amounts: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium, magnesium, sulfur; N-P-K percentages on a fertilizer label are by weight of N, P2O5, and K2O.

Fertilizer rate formula: pounds of product = (desired pounds of nutrient per 1000 sq ft x area in sq ft / 1000) / (% nutrient in product / 100).

Hardwood cuttings root best from dormant wood taken late fall to winter; softwood cuttings root from new growth in late spring to early summer under high humidity.

Seed germination requires water, oxygen, and suitable temperature; light is a requirement for some species (e.g., lettuce) and inhibits others.

Photosynthesis converts light, CO2, and water to sugars and oxygen in chloroplasts; respiration consumes sugars and oxygen and releases CO2, occurring day and night.

Transplant shock is reduced by root-ball preservation, adequate watering at planting, and avoiding planting deeper than the original root flare.

Integrated pest management hierarchy: cultural, mechanical, biological, then chemical controls; economic threshold determines when chemical action is warranted.

Binomial nomenclature: genus capitalized, specific epithet lowercase, both italicized or underlined (e.g., Acer rubrum); cultivar names are in single quotes and not italicized.

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is based on average annual minimum temperature; zone numbers increase with warmer winters.

Right plant, right place: match mature size, light exposure, soil moisture, and hardiness zone to the site before selecting species.

Deciduous plants shed leaves seasonally; evergreen plants retain foliage year-round (broadleaf evergreen vs. coniferous evergreen).

Opposite, alternate, and whorled describe leaf arrangement; pinnate and palmate describe compound leaf structure.

Monocots have parallel leaf veins and flower parts in threes; dicots have netted veins and flower parts in fours or fives.

Native plants are adapted to local climate and soils and generally require less supplemental water and fewer inputs once established.

Invasive species outcompete natives and disrupt ecosystems; avoid selecting species listed as invasive in the region.

Dioecious species have separate male and female plants (e.g., holly, ginkgo), so sex must be known to predict fruit set.

Cool-season grasses (tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass) grow best at 60-75 F; warm-season grasses (bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, St. Augustinegrass) at 80-95 F.

Mowing rule: remove no more than one-third of the blade height per mowing; mowing height and frequency depend on species and growth rate.

Cool-season grasses are fertilized mainly in fall; warm-season grasses mainly in late spring through summer; avoid high nitrogen in heat or drought stress.

Irrigation should wet the root zone deeply and infrequently to encourage deep rooting; overwatering promotes disease and shallow roots.

Thatch is a layer of dead organic matter between the soil surface and green vegetation; core aeration reduces compaction and thatch.

Turfgrass disease diagnosis uses patterns: dollar spot shows small straw-colored spots, brown patch shows circular blighted areas in humid heat.

Overseeding cool-season lawns is done in early fall when soil is warm and air is cooling; warm-season lawns are overseeded in fall with ryegrass for winter color.

Soil test results drive lime and fertilizer decisions; apply lime to raise pH and sulfur or acidifying fertilizer to lower it.

Planting hole should be two to three times the width of the root ball but no deeper than the root ball, with the root flare at or slightly above grade.

Water newly planted trees and shrubs at planting and regularly for the first one to two growing seasons; deep, slow watering is preferred.

Mulch rings should be 2-4 inches deep, kept away from the trunk; excessive mulch against the trunk causes rot and rodent damage.

Pruning cuts: make clean cuts just outside the branch collar; avoid flush cuts and leaving stubs; remove dead, diseased, and crossing branches first.

Structural pruning of young trees establishes a single leader and strong branch attachments, reducing future failure risk.

Irrigation scheduling should account for evapotranspiration, soil type, and plant water needs; drip irrigation delivers water to the root zone with less waste.

Grading and drainage: surface water should drain away from structures; swales and French drains redirect water where ponding occurs.

Hardscape installation requires proper base compaction and slope for drainage; edging separates beds from turf and reduces maintenance.

Personal protective equipment for equipment operation includes eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and sturdy footwear; chainsaw work also requires chaps and a helmet.

Before starting any powered equipment, inspect for damaged parts, check fluid levels, and ensure guards and shields are in place.

Never remove or defeat safety interlocks, and never operate equipment with the engine running while performing adjustments or clearing clogs.

Fuel handling: shut off engine and allow cooling before refueling; store fuel in approved containers away from ignition sources.

Chainsaw kickback is reduced by holding the saw firmly with both hands, keeping the chain brake functional, and avoiding cutting with the tip.

Hearing damage risk increases with sound level and exposure time; use hearing protection when operating mowers, blowers, and trimmers.

Pesticide safety: read the label, wear required PPE, follow re-entry intervals, and store chemicals in original labeled containers locked away from children and pets.

Lifting technique: bend at the knees, keep the load close, and avoid twisting; use mechanical aids for heavy loads.

Lockout/tagout procedures apply when servicing equipment to prevent unexpected startup; disconnect spark plug or battery before maintenance.