Shrubs are not only sustainable options for a healthy garden, but they also add long-term beauty to Colorado landscapes. However, without proper maintenance, even the hardiest of shrubs may succumb to disease. To keep your shrubs healthy and beautiful for many years to come, consider the following garden maintenance tips below.
Source: Better Homes and Gardens
Young or newly planted shrubs require regular watering until they’re fully established. This helps them form a strong root system, vital to health and longevity. Native shrubs are better adapted to our drought-prone climate. Nevertheless, these low-maintenance plants still need to be watered. Many newly planted shrubs require a thorough soaking at least once a week throughout the growing season. You should continue watering through the fall until the ground freezes, especially your evergreen shrubs.
Source: Better Homes and Gardens
Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to water the soil throughout the root zone. Overhead watering is more wasteful, and sometimes water left on foliage leads to sun scorching. Soil amendments and fertilizer should be applied according to the needs of each specific type of shrub. If you don’t know your soil’s pH level, have it tested and amend it as necessary for your shrubs. Some shrubs prefer more acidity than others do.
Design by Lifescape Colorado
Pruning is important for aesthetic reasons, as well as for shrub health. Avoid pruning haphazardly or at the wrong time. Shrubs that flower in early spring can be pruned as soon as they stop blooming. If you prune too early, your shrubs might produce fewer blooms. Shrubs that bloom in the summer should not be pruned until winter after they’ve become dormant or in very early spring before you see them greening.
Design by Lifescape Colorado
Both new and established shrubs will thrive better if you remove old, damaged or diseased branches so healthier branches can receive more airflow and sunlight. You should also remove branches that are tangled or are rubbing against other branches.
Good shrub maintenance takes some time and effort. If you’d rather leave the hard work to our experts at Lifescape Colorado, just contact us today, and we’ll get started. We offer a variety of garden and landscape services that can keep your shrubs looking healthy and beautiful.
