Most plants need shape pruning within the first couple years to insure the correct shape for the area they are in. After that, you will need to prune to keep plants contained. Some planets will require hand pruning with hand snipes and some will tolerate power shears. Plants that need hand pruning with hand snipes include Rhododendrons, Camellias, etc. Plants that can be sheared include Photinia, Laurels, etc. Train yourself and learn how to prune. We all have seen many beautiful landscape become an eye sore simply from the lack of yearly pruning. A great book for all your landscape needs and questions would be Sunset's Western Garden Book.
Go TopHow often should I fertilize my plants?
You will need to fertilize your shrubs, groundcovers, perennials, and trees twice a year. Fertilizing your plants is probably one of the most important things you can do to help your plants thrive.
We suggest you fertilize in the spring and fall with a 10-10-10 or 16-16-16 plant fertilizer. Spread the fertilizer around the drip line of the plant using a cup. Do not dump the fertilizer on the plant. Please follow the instructions on the bag of fertilizer.
We recommend visiting Professional Turf Center for all your plant care, fertilizer, seed, pest and weed control needs.
How do I plant and maintain Annual Flowers?
Driving around town and seeing the entryways to some communities, it is no wonder that large seasonal planting of annual flowers are very popular.
Annuals are colorful flowers that are available seasonally. Varieties include: Winter Pansies, Petunias, Salvia, Impatiens, Geraniums, Begonias, Marigolds, etc. Most varieties come in a rainbow of colors. With our mild climate, annuals can be enjoyed year round!
Planting any flower should begin with the plant selection. Most annuals like a particular exposure. Impatiens and Pansies don't tolerate hot sun, while Petunias and Marigold love hot sun. Check the label that comes with each plant at your local grower.
We next should focus on the soil, annuals require a very good rich loamy soil with very good drainage. If you don't have good soil where you are thinking of planting, we recommend you remove the existing soil and replace it with better.
We next focus on drainage. Water is a flower's best friend and worst friend - too little water and annuals quickly perish, too much water and they quickly drown. The bed you are planting in must have good drainage away and should not be located in a "low" spot. If this is the case, raise the elevation using additional soil to get the flowers up out of the water.
