Your grass is only part of the equation when it comes to your home’s curb appeal. Landscaping is another big component. To keep your yard looking its best, you need to not only focus on lawn care service, but also make ornamental tree and shrub care a priority in your Atlanta lawn care routine. Sometimes that’s easier said than done, and one misstep can have major implications for the health of your plants. Our Certified Landscape Specialists listed five common errors that homeowners make when caring for their trees and shrubs.
#1 — Fertilizer Frustrations
Just like your lawn, your plants need specific nutrients. It’s wise to discuss these needs with a Certified Landscape Specialist so you don’t damage your plants. Applying the wrong type or amount of fertilizer, or applying the right fertilizer at the wrong time, can quickly damage or even kill a plant.
#2 — Trimming Troubles
Proper pruning can help enhance the beauty of your yard, while improper techniques can diminish a plant’s potential. Do some research to learn the best times and methods for pruning your plants. It’s not always a one-size-fits-all science, though there are some general rules that apply. Don’t cut too close to the base of a tree or you’ll put it at increased risk for disease and pest infestation. Most pruning is done in the winter to early spring, but double-check your particular plants so you don’t accidentally cut off blooms or, worse, damage your plant.
#3 — Planting Problems
Put plants where they want to be, even though that might not be where you would like them to be. In the wrong environmental conditions, blooms and foliage will be less than impressive. As you plan your landscape, make sure to do your research and read plant tags to determine sunlight, water, and soil requirements for each tree and shrub.
#4 — Watering Woes
Like your lawn, ornamental trees and shrubs need water to thrive, but overwatering can be just as harmful as underwatering. Atlanta’s clay soil is notorious for holding water. For plants that prefer well-drained soil, that can pose a problem. A good soil amendment is a great way to help improve drainage. Read your plant tags to determine the ideal watering amount and frequency.
#5 — Mulching Mediocrity
Mulch plays a key role in promoting healthy plants by helping to moderate soil temperatures, deter weed growth, and retain moisture. Too much of a good thing is bad in this case, but skimping on mulch isn’t effective either. Keep your mulch one to three inches deep. Piling it too close to the bases of your trees and shrubs can cause trunk rot and discourage the growth of root systems.
Keeping your plants healthy is an ongoing job. Though it may seem tedious at times, the payoff, in the form of a house with show-stopping landscaping, is undeniable. If you’d like assistance in keeping your ornamental tree and shrubs looking their best, Arbor-Nomics is happy to provide that service.