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PRUNING
Evergreens
Evergreen shrubs should only be pruned during peak growing season
(May-August), this can be done by removal of the
"Candles" on Mugho Pines, or by pruning back the branch
itself. Never cut the leader of a pine or spruce tree unless there
are multiple leaders. In that case you should choose which leader
is the strongest and remove the others.
Deciduous Trees & Shrubs
Deciduous shrubs should be pruned after blooming unless the flowers
produce berries or decorative hips (roses) that are visually
desirable and also attract birds to your garden.
Cedar Hedges
Cedar hedges can be pruned twice in the year, in late spring and
late summer.
Broad-Leaf Evergreens
Broad-leafed evergreens can be kept in check with light trimming
during the growing season.
General Pruning
Occasionally branches may be damaged during planting or storms.
Prune the damaged twig or branch with a sharp pruner or saw. Cut as
close as possible to the branch or main trunk. Prune any branches
that are growing into the center of the plant or crossing
unattractively with other branches. Corrective pruning may be
performed at almost any time.
WATERING
Trees
The root ball is large and generally buried deeply in the ground.
Trees need less frequent watering than sod or shrubs. A good deep
soaking once every 6-7 days is usually sufficient. This means 15
minutes per tree, at a steady stream.
Shrubs
Shrubs need a deep soaking approximately every 3-4 days. Pay
attention to leaves. If they are wilted the ground is too dry. 5
minutes per shrub in a steady stream is usually sufficient.
Perennials & Groundcovers
New plants must be kept watered each day until they establish a
healthy root system. These plants generally have a shallow root
system. In normal weather, water generously every two to three
days, more often during hot, dry weather. Regular inspection of
your plants will advise you whether your watering is
sufficient.
Potted Plants
Potted plants have a captive root system and require watering
frequently. Water generously when the soil is dry. For hanging
plants, water until the waterdrains from the bottom drain
holes.
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WINTER
PROTECTION
General
Helps to prevent desiccation from the drying winds and bright
western sunlight. This is done with burlap screening or wooden
structures.
Evergreens
It is always advisable to tie up cedars and upright junipers to
prevent damage from snow load.
Deciduous Trees & Shrubs
Rhododendrons, azaleas, boxwood, some Japanese Yews, Japanese
Maples and certain varieties of euonymus all require special care
prior to winter.
LAWN CARE
Mowing
Keep lawn mower blades sharp at all times. Cut your lawn to
approximately 2" on a weekly basis and remove all clippings
unless your machine is equipped with a mulch attachment. Mowing
line direction should be straight, changing direction of cut each
time. However, with curved gardens it is necessary to follow the
contour. At edges and where the mower cannot cut effectively, it is
recommended to use a string trimmer.
Dethatching
It is important to have your lawn dethatched in the spring, either
by hand raking or by the use of a power dethatcher.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing your lawn is recommended to help keep it healthy. This
may be done in the early spring and early fall.
WATERING
General
To keep your lawn healthy and stress free it is important to keep
it watered. This will reduce the chance of insect infestation. If
an insect problem should occur, it should be treated as soon as
possible, before the problem becomes widespread. If you have an
irrigation system, monitor the system on a regular basis and adjust
the watering times during both heat waves and wet periods.
New Lawns
New sod must be kept well watered until the roots penetrate to the
soil below and become established. Newly seeded lawns must be kept
adequately watered to germinate the seeds and keep them from
dying.
Established Lawns
For established lawns, water to ensure the lawn receives three
inches per week. Water in early morning or late evening.
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PLANT
BEDS
Weeding
All weeds should be removed as soon as they are noticed to prevent
them from becoming established. Light cultivation should keep
annual weeds at bay. Small weeds unearthed by cultivation will
wither and die in the sun. However, if they become infested, or
when facing perennial weeds such as dandelions which have a long
taproot, then removal of weeds by hand or with a garden fork
becomes necessary to remove the whole root system. Cultivation also
serves to keep the soil loose.
Edging
All garden borders should be edged with a sharp edger once per
month. If care is taken with weekly maintenance, then the use of a
string trimmer may be all that is required. Gardens with plastic
edging in place should still have a light edge where the sod meets
the edge. This serves two purposes. To prevent possible crossing
over of grass to the garden, and in the event of a heavy rainfall
to keep the water from flowing over the edge.
Plant Care
Remove spent flowers from perennials to prevent seed formation,
which will drain energy from the plant. Stake all tall plants if
they become top heavy to prevent them from falling to the ground.
This is quite normal for some plants and should not be considered
as poor quality. Divide perennials when they become too crowded for
their space. These divisions may be added to your garden in another
location or discarded. If you find that a perennial is not suited
for a particular location it may be transplanted.
Fertilizing
Every fall a natural fertilizer such as bone meal, or blood bone
kelp should be spread throughout your garden and cultivated into
the soil. During the growing season, newly transplanted material
may be fed a water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks until July.
Be careful not to fertilize too close to the dormant season or
winter damage will occur.
Mulching
A protective layer of mulch will help keep the moisture in the soil
for your plants and help cut down on the weed seed germination in
your beds. Take care to not build up against your plant stems or
trunks and do not cover up perennials or branches. Mulch is a
natural product. As it breaks down it adds to the quality of your
soil and will need to be replenished every couple of years. Mulches
recommended are Composted Pine Mulch and Peat Moss. If Peat Moss is
used, water it down after application so it does not blow away.
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