Take a deep breath, this is a heavy month!

This is the best time to prune trees and shrubs, while they are still dormant just prior to bud break, although it can be done anytime during the dormant season. Renewal pruning shrubs is one of the best things you can do to your landscape. Many shrubs, such as dogwoods and lilacs, benefit tremendously from regular renewal pruning. Renewal pruning involves selective removal of the oldest, heaviest canes from shrubs at the groundline. This is usually done either with a pruning saw or a scissor-type lopper. In spring, buds break below the cut, renewing the plant. The benefits are well worth it - a slightly smaller, healthier plant which maintains the plant's architecture. Please contact us for advice on which shrubs you have that could benefit from renewal pruning. Young trees, 3-15 years in the landscape can also benefit tremendously from proper pruning to help shape and enhance their form. Unless you are experienced, we advise that you seek professional advice or help. We offers a wide variety of pruning services for young to intermediate trees, shrubs and evergreens.

If you havent alreadly done so, tending to weeds now will prevent a nightmare fight for the entire spring growing season.  Clearing weeds completely followed by an application of all natural corn gluten (found at better nurseries and home centers) will keep any new weeds from germinating as the temperatures rise and should last for 3-5 months if package directions are followed.

The cool season grasses, such as Karl Foerster grass should be cut back to remove all but 2-3" of the previous season's growth, prior to new growth.

Remove any protective winter wraps or plastic tree spirals from young trees. If left on, the temperatures inside can reach high levels, providing ideal areas for insects and diseases. Wait until the grass greens up to remove any hardware cloth or chicken wire enclosures for rabbit, racoon or deer protection.

Cut stems of forsythia, double-flowering plum, cherry or dogwood just above a lateral branch for forcing fresh indoor, early spring blooms. Bring inside and use a hammer to slightly smash the end of the stem to help it better take up water in a vase. You will be bringing spring indoor a few days early!  If you have leaf mulch protecting your bedding areas, now is the perfect time to rake it away and feed it to the compost pile.  Removing the leaves now should expose all of the spring blooming bulbs such as daffs, tulips, and crocus.

Turn your compost pile over. This will help "reheat" it, speeding up decomposition so it can be ready for use in the spring.

Contact us to schedule spring cleanup services, which can include: raking up debris and leaves, cutting back perennials, fertilizing or re-mulching your planting beds.

Contact us now for starting your long term landscaping changes or plans. While costing some money in the short run, it can save money in the long run. A quality design will give your landscape efforts focus and direction.

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