Landscape Gardening FAQs

Q: Do my trees and shrubs need to be fertilized during the summer?
A: Fertilization of woody ornamentals should cease around mid-July so plants have time to harden-off new growth before winter. Late summer fertilization can lead to winter-kill.
Fertilization of annual flowers and vegetable plants should continue throughout the growing season. When using liquid fertilizer (scoops of soluble fertilizer granules added to water) it is best applied to moist soil. If necessary, water your annual flowers first, then apply the liquid fertilizer solution.

Q: The ornamental grass clump in our back yard still has alot of brown in it from last year. What should we do to get rid of it?
A: Ornamental grasses should be cut back to low (6 to 12 inch tall) clumps in late fall or early winter, every year. Use twine or a rubber strap to wrap the dead bundles tightly together before cutting them. This will ease cleanup work.

Q: The trees in my yard have silky tents in them!
A: Spring brings Eastern Tent Caterpillars with it, and the smaller, lower tents can be 'rubbed out' using a gardening glove, or sprayed with a properly labeled insecticide. The biggest problem is getting the insecticide to penetrate the webs, however, spraying still helps since caterpillars will come out to feed on surrounding foliage.

Q: What can I do to improve my annual flowers this year?
A: Good soil, nutrients and regular waterings are the 3 main ingredients for healthy flowers. Try mixing some mushroom manure in with your soil, or use it as a mulch. Mix some high-phosphorus fertilizer (phosphorus is the middle number "10" in: 5-10-5) into your flower bed and follow-up with liquid fertilizer such as Peters 20-20-20 or Bloom Booster. Keep flower beds watered --- morning watering is the best; evenings are alright -- the earlier in the evening the better.

Q: How often should I water newly planted trees and shrubs?
A: If there is less than one-inch of rainfall per week, thoroughly water new trees and shrubs once a week during the growing season (spring and summer). Newly planted flowers, sod and grass seed will have to be watered more frequently; sometimes daily.

Recommended Gardening Site: Find gardening.
Looking for gardening? Review and compare FindStuff's comprehensive resources. Search now!

Landscape Gardening Tip

Avoid a scattered arrangement of beds, shrubs, trees and garden features. Every object in the garden should have some reason for being there. Spotty design is difficult to maintain. Group plantings of shrubs and flowers are more attractive and much easier to care for.