Bellas Landscaping Bloomington, IL Plant Tree Perennial Care Maintenance Watering

Bellas Landscaping Plant Care

Shrubs

Watering

Newly planted shrubs should be watered three times a week for four weeks after planting. Most shrubs require 2 gallons of water a week. After the initial four weeks of watering, monitor the shrubs and makes sure they are recieving the equivilant of 1 inch of rainfall. If rain occurs hold off on watering to prevent over watering. Water all shrubs, new and established, during times of drought. Larger shrubs will require more water, upwards of 15 gallons depending on the size.

Pruning

The best time to prune bloomingt shrubs is after they bloom. This is usally late spring or early summer. If a shrub blooms later in the year then late winter or early spring pruning is suggested. All other shrubs such as evergreen shrubs and non-flowering deciduous shrubs can be pruned in the winter or any other time of the year when pruning is desired.

Trees

Watering

Newly planted trees should be watered regulary for the first growing season. Newly planted trees should get about 15 gallons of water per week. If rain occurs be sure not to over water the trees. We suggest installing on all planted trees. These slow release bags allow the water to soak into the roots. Just fill these bags once a week and your watering will be taken care of for you.

Pruning

Dead limbs and branches should always be pruned as soon as possible. Any branches that are rubbing should also be removed to prevent damage to the tree. Ornamental flowering trees should always be pruned right after they have finished flowering. Prune approximatley 1/4 inch past any desired buds at a slight angle. Pruning can increase the strength and beauty of tree when properly pruned.

Perennials

Watering

Watering perennials must be done on a plant to plant basis. Depending on the water requirements each perennial may be different. Whenever there is dry soil 4-5 inches below the surface you would water your perennials. Some perennials strive in moist conditions and can take more water than others. The rule of thumb to follow is, an inch of rainfall a week, whether that is natural rainfall or by watering.

Pruning

Perennials should be cut back in early spring when bulbs are just starting to germinate. All dead growth from the past year should be removed so that new growth can easily fill in. Ornamental Grasses should be cut off 4-6 inches above the soil. Other perennials such as daylilies can be cut off as low to the ground as possible.

Back to Landscaping Home