Evergreens
- Watering: Water as needed throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Usually, one inch of water per week is enough to maintain the plant, however, during the hot summer months more may be needed. Evergreens need plenty of moisture during the fall and winter months to prevent winter burn. Mulching around the base of the plant can aid in moisture retention during these months.
- Fertilizing: In spring and fall apply a slow-release fertilizer. If the evergreen begins to turn brown it may help to apply a soil acidifier. This helps reduce alkalinity in soils. Follow the packaging instructions for proper application.
- Pruning: Remove any dead or diseased parts of the plant as needed. If there is a large area that is dead or diseased it is best to remove it in the winter when the sap is no longer running. In early spring, the new growth that emerges every year is called the “candle”. After this growth begins about half of the “candle” can be pruned off. This helps reduce the height and also creates a fuller shrub. Timing is everything.
Deciduous Trees & Shrubs
- Watering: Water as needed from spring to fall. One inch of water per week is usually enough to maintain the plant. However, more may be needed in hot, dry periods. Always be sure to water first thing in the morning. If you water your plants at night there is a greater risk for fungal and bacterial diseases.
- Fertilizing: Apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring and fall. To give your plant an extra boost you can apply a water-soluble fertilizer or plant food once a month.
- Pruning: Prune out any dead or diseased parts of the plant as needed. Spring blooming plants should be pruned after they bloom. Summer and late blooming plants should be pruned in late fall or early spring.
Perennials
- Watering: Water as needed from spring to fall. Always water first thing in the morning or just as the sun is setting. Watering too late in the evening may lead to fungal and bacterial diseases. Timing is everything.
- Fertilizing: Apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring. Applying a water soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing and flowering season will give your perennial an added boost. when perennials first start blooming apply a high phosphorus fertilizer to encourage more and longer lasting blooms.
- Pruning: Cut back and clean up any dead leaves or flowers in the fall. Be sure to remove and dispose of any diseased material to avoid re-infection. Deadhead as much as possible to encourage more blooms. Continuously remove any discolored foliage.
