As the skies clear and warm weather returns, our thoughts return to yard beautification. Planting and caring for trees, shrubs and flowers can be therapeutic and the results are so satisfying to the eye and the heart.
Here’s a few basics to help you optimize your efforts –
Planting
Early Spring: plant deciduous trees while they are leafless and dormant.
Spring / Early Summer is the time to plant balled and burlapped trees.
Container grown trees can be planted almost any time (unless the ground is frozen).
Avoid planting in late spring and very late fall – the roots may not get established in time to endure the extreme heat of summer or, the extreme cold of winter.
Wrapping
Tree wrapping protects young thin-bark trees like, maple and fruit trees, for the first winter or two after planting from sun scald. So when do you wrap? A good rule of thumb is to wrap at Thanksgiving and remove it at the spring equinox (March 20th). Be sure and remove the wrap to avoid a spot where insects can gather and disease can take hold.
Watering
Water is an important element during the first year of planting for a new tree or shrub. Water deeply and thoroughly. Place a hose at the base of the tree and let it trickle flow for 15 minutes. Shrubs can be watered for less time.
Fertilizing/Feeding
Get a soil test then, fertilize to meet the nutrient needs of tree/shrub. Or, call GrowinGreen. We’ll do the soil test and provide a biologically enhanced nutrient package for your trees and shrubs – giving them the food they need to relieve winter stress and keep them fed so they thrive all summer long.
Mulching
To conserve moisture and suppress weeds, use a 2-3 inch ring of mulch that extends to the reach of the branches at a depth of 4-inches or less to avoid trapping too much water that may kill roots. Using organic mulches like chipped or shredded bark will decompose and add nutrients to the soil.
Don’t to place mulch in a cone shape directly against the trunk. Too much mulch directly against the bark can cause rot, circling roots, and disease problems.
Pruning
Proper pruning not only makes your plants look better but, it helps them to produce more flowers and fruit. So don’t be afraid.
Here’s a brief list that can help you determine what to prune when – we’ll provide a more in depth pruning calendar in a future blog.
Early Spring: summer flowering trees & shrubs that bloom on new growth.
Late Spring: spring flowering shrubs immediately after flowers fade.
Early Summer: pinch/trim half of the candles on pines & other needled evergreens.
Summer: summer flowering trees & shrubs as the blossoms fade.
Autumn: prune long rose canes.
Winter: berried shrubs and trees – use the cuttings for holiday decorations
Yard beautification adds so much to our lives as we celebrate and embrace the coming summer season. Whether you enjoy cookouts, birthday parties or just relaxing – you’ll be proud of your accomplishment and the lovely backdrop that your environment can provide for any event.
If you have any questions about caring for your trees and shrubs – give us a call at 1.866. LAWN HELP.
Inspiring you to love your lawn again!
