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LANDSCAPE CARE AND MAINTENANCE TIPS
Pruning
The best time for trimming evergreens is during the spring (mid May to Mid June), while the plants are actively growing. This encourages new growth and gives the desired shape. In late August through early October a second pruning can be done.
Spring flowering shrubs should be pruned immediately after flowering. Where pruning is not required to maintain size, it should be done to remove spent flowers. This will encourage more flowers the next year. (includes: lilac, caragana, deutzia, forsythia, flowering almond, purpleleaf sandcherry and rhododendron)
Summer flowering shrubs should be pruned in early spring before growth begins. They should be pruned again after flowering to remove the spent flowers.(includes: roses, spireas, potentilla, butterfly bush and hydrangea)
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Fertilizer
A root-stimulating fertilizer is recommended for feeding new plants. This will help reduce transplant shock as well as encourage new root growth. For year round care, a general all purpose fertilizer such as 20-20-20 every 6-8 weeks will encourage new root growth, new foliage, and more flowers on flowering plants.
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Watering
To much is not always a good thing. A very common problem is overwatering. As a general rule, plants need a good watering every 7-10 days depending on weather conditions. Surface watering will create shallow, weak roots, so be sure to allow the water to seep deeply into the soil for best results. Large trees can be watered less often (12-15 days), but allow the hose to trickle for 1-2 hours at the base of the tree.
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Winterizing
Some plants are more susceptible to sun and wind burn, therefore wrapping in burlap from top to bottom will help them survive the harsh winters. Alberta spruce and yews should be wrapped, but before doing so, water evergreens well and wrap from top to bottom in late fall.
Upright evergreens such as skyrockets and mountbattens require a little extra care during the winter months. Winter damage is typically caused from the weight of the snow. Wrapping with string, or using a vexar netting will help reduce damage to the branches.
Rhodendrons and Azaleas are very susceptible to wind, sun and snow damage during the winter months. Place 8" of mulch over the roots, preferably oak leaves or peat moss. Then build a shelter with burlap around each plant to protect it from the sun and wind.
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For more information about garden care and selection, Landscape Ontario offers information covering a wide variety of subjects. If you are interested in seeing more please follow the link.
Visit Landscape Ontario
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