1. Maintenance and Care of Landscapes
Gettin’ to know how to love those plants man…

2. Maintenance program Irrigation Fertilizing Mulching Pruning
Pest control
Pest Problems
Shading
Winter Protection

3. Watering Infrequent Avoid foilage and evenings
Really soak it in when first planting
Never plant without watering (unless planting in rain)
Wet soil 12-16” deep
Different plants have different needs

4. Watering Schedule
Watering should be done at planting and frequently for a few days
Planting in fall is a good idea to conserve water and allow for less watering
Trees should be given a Tree Gator and need to be watered almost every week in heat
Plants need supplemental water for the first two years
Sprinkler or drip is determined by crop and container arrangement

5. Fertilization Not needed for established trees Shrubs
Perforating 12-24” deep at intervals on tree canopy line
Shrubs
Lawns and flower gardens need fertilizer program
Analyze soils

6. Fertilizer Schedule
Can add fertilizer into backfill of the soil for trees and shrubs
I usually wait a few weeks before fertilizing to let plants get adjusted and then hit them with fertilizer
Good idea to incorporate fertilizer into garden beds before planting

7. Mulching Replaced depending on what you use Triple shredded annually
Double or single shredded every few years
Leaf mulch every year
Rocks/nonbiodegradable never

8. Mulching Schedule Definitely should be done at planting
Should be replaced as needed
Only have 3” max of soil
Remove old mulch if desired and replace with new (overkill in my opinion)
Use leaf mulch every once in a while… it’s awesome!

9. Pruning Helps with health and size/shape of plant
Early spring flowering plants pruned immediately after flowers fall off
Espalier is a cool trick, try it for SAE!

10. Pruning Schedule
Usually done in off-seasons when more labor is available
Damaged branches of trees and shrubs should be removed as soon as possible
Plants with high spring sap pressure (Maple, Birch, etc) should not be pruned in spring
Newly planted shrubs/trees/plants pruned at planting for shaping

11. Pest control
Necessary to control damage from insects, diseases, weeds, and rodents
IPM used to solve pest problems while reducing risks to people and the environment

12. Pest Control Schedule Chemicals should be only one method
Biological control uses living organisms (predators, parasite) to control others
Mechanical uses barriers, traps, screens, row covers, removal by hand
Weed prevention is essential
Vigorous plants are less likely to suffer from insects, diseases, and droughts- survival of the fittest!.
Careful observation of plants is essential!

13. Pest Problems Weeds Disease Rodents Mollusks Insect Identify
Determine type of control
Treat based on recommendations

14. Let’s Identify the Pest

15. Shading
On newly established plants or plants that will grow in shady areas

16. Edging Schedule This should be done when the beds are installed
Do this before the time of planting- it’s easier

17. Winterization Prepares plants for the winter/freezing
Fertilize early to prevent soft new growth that will get damaged
Mulched, pruned, pest control and adequate water will help to get plants through winter

18. Winterization Schedule
Winterizing should be done in the fall, before the first freeze
Some tender plants can be covered with burlap to prevent winter damage and deer problems
Make sure to undo hoses from the spigot

19. Winter Protection Protection What it does What it looks like
Water Protection
Spray on buds before freeze, often used on fruit trees and strawberries
White Plastic
Reduces injury to woody ornamentals, protects young plants
Frost Blanket
Traps and collects heat of day, releases at night, extends season, can float or drape on plants

20. Final Thoughts!
Careful observation of newly planted shrubs, trees, annuals and perennials on a regular basis will determine the time and amount of maintenance needed.