LandscapingNews
March Landscaping Tips
• It is historically safe to begin your pruning of shrubs and damaged plant material if you haven’ t already done so. Shrubs should not be pruned by more than 1 / 3. Prune azaleas and spring blooming shrubs after they have bloomed.
• Prune out any crossing or damaged branches in your crapemyrtles. Do not top your crapemyrtles. If you top them because they grow too tall, consider replacing them with a smaller variety. Contrary to popular belief, topping them is not beneficial to blooms. It results in weak growth and really ugly trees.
• Apply a slow-release fertilizer to your lawns with a ratio of 3-1-2.
Plant of the Month: Dwarf Burford Holly
Dwarf Burford Holly is a slow growing evergreen shrub that is perfect as a screening shrub for the foundation of your home. It has dark green, glossy leaves. It also will put out small red berries in the early spring. It should be planted 3 – 4 feet apart for a screening hedge.
Dwarf Burford Holly will thrive in partial to full sun. It prefers a good rich soil. You will need to water it regularly during its first year to establish a good, deep root system. After the first year it is fairly drought tolerant. It will reach 4 – 6 feet and should be pruned in late winter or early spring. Fertilize it in the early spring before new growth emerges.
Visit our display gardens to view it in person.
• Plant your spring color.
• Divide fall blooming perennials and grasses if needed.
• Get on top of weed control. If you haven’ t used a pre-emergent herbicide, you can use a post-emergent herbicide to spot treat weeds. Use the proper herbicide as recommended for either broad-leaf weeds or grassy weeds. Those of you who are reluctant to use chemicals can use a 20 % vinegar solution available at garden centers.
• You can begin mowing again this month. Remove no more than 1” of old growth, getting rid of most of the dead material. Do not scalp your lawn.
• Beware of late freezes and protect new plantings as needed.
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