Inevitably, those first glimmers
of spring will have smart gardeners rushing outdoors...with
pruning shears in hand. You see, late winter is the perfect time
to take a stroll around your trees and shrubbery and get them into
shape because the branch structures are devoid of leaves and
clearly exposed. This not only makes the plant's architecture
easier to see but also easier to clean up. What's more, the spring
blooming will rapidly heal any accidental cuts from your shears.
Below
you will find some basic tips on caring for your tess and shrubs.
Tree/Shrub
Fertilization
All ornamental trees, shrubs and groundcovers should
receive a March or April application of spring fertilizer
in either liquid or granular form. This application will
promote growing processes, aid in color and help the plant
recover from winter stress. During this period, use a
granular fertilizer with a balanced nutrient formulation
such as 9-9-9. A second application of fertilizer may
prove beneficial during the months of May or June,
particularly for flowering hardwood plant materials. A
formulation of 5-10-15 is recommended.
Note: The above reference does not include
annual seasonal plantings or vegetables.
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Planter
Bed Weed Control
There are generally two kinds of weeds that occur in
planter beds. Those that germinate from airborne seeds
that blow in and those that arise from stolons found in
the sub-soil. Those arising from stolons are most
frequently coarse, persistent grasses commonly referred to
as "runner grasses" because of their tendency to
send out underground runners that flush with growth every
few inches. Extracting these grasses is difficult, as they
tend to break off underground leaving the viable stolon
intact. Since herbicides like "Round Up" are
drawn into the plant system and eventually destroy the
entire weed, this chemical control is most effective in
eradicating stolons. The airborne seeds that blow in and
infect mulch areas may be controlled in a number of ways.
These seeds may be prevented from germinating with use of
a pre-emergent herbicide. If a pre-emergent is not used,
the weeds may be pulled out or sprayed with Roundup as
they appear. It is recommended to eliminate bed weeds on a
regular basis to prevent a strenuous clean-up project.
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Tree/Shrub
Watering
Ornamental trees, shrubs, and groundcovers require large
amounts of water during their initial first year. To avoid
foliage burning do not water ornamentals during the heat
of the day. When trying to decide the proper amount of
water to apply to your shrubs and trees it is important to
consider a few guidelines: avoid frequent light sprinkling
and frequent heavy soaking. Water thoroughly and
infrequently, being sure to wet the plant's entire root
system. The amount of time it takes for water to move down
through the soil varies with soil types. Also, water moves
vertically in the soil, but not much horizontally.
Therefore, it is important that water be applied over a
large enough area to encompass the entire root area. New
plantings require more constant moisture. Excessive, as
well as insufficient watering, will cause damage. Use
common sense depending upon climate and drainage
situations.
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Pruning
Pruning ornamentals, trees, shrubs, and groundcovers can
be accomplished during the following key pruning periods.
PLANT
TYPE
KEY
PRUNING PERIOD
Deciduous
Trees/Shrubs
Prior
to initiation of growing season
(January/February/March)
Flowering
Trees/Shrubs*
Prune
to shape after completion of
flowering process
Hedge
Type Plants and Broad Leaf
Evergreens
Typically
sheared in early spring, summer
and if required early fall
*After flowering, Rhododendron's
should be "dead-headed"
by snapping off the bud from which
the flower came.
It is
recommended to consult a horticulture professional if
major pruning is required.
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Removal
of Stakes/Wiring on Trees
Newly installed trees often are staked and wired to
encourage proper upright development as well as minimize
wind damage. Stakes should be removed approximately 12
months after installation. Failure to remove stakes and
wiring can result in a weaker, spindly tree canopy or
girdled trunk.
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Insect/Disease
Control on Trees and Shrubs
Insect/disease control on ornamentals is important during
early spring through early fall. It is important to
consult with a professional horticulturist prior to
incorporating control measures. Professional lawn care
companies offer tree/shrub insect and disease control
programs as well as lawn care programs.
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Remulching
Bark or other suitable mulches (Steer-co, Gro-co) are
effective in weed reduction and water conservation. It is
recommended to maintain mulch to a depth of 2" in all
permanent planting areas. Occasionally native areas should
receive mulch in an effort to make the transition from
landscaped areas to native areas less abrupt. In these
areas a 1" layer is standard. It is important to
remember to keep bark mulch thickness very minimal in and
around the trunk and base of trees/shrubs. Excessive bark
can cause crown rot and promote disease development.
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Irrigation
Systems: Care & Maintenance
Your automatic irrigation system is equipped with an
isolation valve, double check and a manual drain valve on
the mainline. These are usually located in a large green
valve box close to the water meter. Electric valves
located in smaller green valve boxes throughout your yard
control each of the lateral zones, which control the
sprinkler heads. In the spring, you should make sure all
of the drain valves are closed. Open up the isolation
valve slowly until the system is filled. Run each zone for
5 minutes to make certain all air is out of the system and
that the heads are properly adjusted and clean. In the
fall, turn off the isolation valve located before the
double check valve and slowly open the manual
drain-to-drain residual water from the mainline. Close all
drains after draining so you are certain that they are
closed for spring start-up.
In
running the system throughout the year, make sure you have
programmed adequate run times based on each areas soil
type, slope, plantings, and sun conditions.
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Water
Features: Care & Maintenance
Your pond has been installed with a 40-mil PVC liner. Use
caution with anything that could puncture the liner, such
as garden tools or ornamentals. Your pond is equipped with
an automatic fill float, overflow pipe, and a flush
system. The automatic fill float will maintain your water
level at a determined depth in your lower pond. The
overflow pipe will take care of any excess water from rain
or when you are cleaning your system.
When you
have aquatic plant material or fish in your pond you will
need to exercise caution when applying fertilizers,
chemicals, or any organic materials near the water as this
can adversely affect the pH and nitrate levels in the
water. You will want to purchase a water test kit so you
can monitor the pH level of the water on a monthly basis.
Your pH should range from 6.5 to 7.5. You can lower the pH
with a pH decreaser. The nitrate level can be maintained
through the use of a beneficial bacteria products, such as
EZ-2 or Crystal Clear. If you opt not to keep fish or
plant life within the pond the pH level should range from
6.5 to 8.5. You may want to purchase a pool skimmer for
the removal of leaves, needles, etc. from your pond. Your
pump is a Little Giant continuous-run pump. It is best
that your water feature run continuously as start-ups
cause the greatest wear on the pump. During freezing
weather conditions you should turn off your pump and leave
it off until your ponds have thawed and the water levels
have adjusted properly (approximately 6-8" from the
surface).
With
proper care and maintenance, you can be assured of many
years of trouble free enjoyment of this water feature.
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Our
well-stocked Garden Center provides all of the aids needed
for keeping your garden at peak performance, as well as providing gift
items of special seasonal interest: pottery, books, tools and
a large assortment of seeds and bulbs.
