I planted a Hydrangea bush 3 years ago and it still hasn't bloomed! What's wrong?
Answer
More than likely, your Hydrangea is getting trimmed at the wrong time of the year, whether it is by deer browsing or summer pruning. As with most flowering plants, only trim Hydrangeas within one month after they bloom -- that way you won't remove any flower buds.
Deer eat my shrubs more in the winter. What can I do to protect them?
Answer
As deer continue to overrun our residential landscapes, homeowners must be more concerned about protecting their ornamental plants, especially during winter when heavier browsing occurs. There are 3 ways to protect your plantings, and we feel proper plant choices and exclusion are the two that work the best in the long run. Here are your 3 choices: Exclusion - Through the use of fencing or mesh, keep the deer away from plants. Effective deer fencing needs to be 6 to 10 feet high, depending on the exact location. There are also some plastic meshes available to drape over top of plants. Some of the newer meshes and fences are difficult to see, adding to their desirability in the home landscape. Repellants - There are several commercial products that can be sprayed on plants to discourage deer browsing. One product that we have used with success is Deer Pro. Please give us a call or check it out at deerprorepellant.com Let us know how we can help. Plant choices - Deer have "food favorites" just like us. Lists are usually broken down into categories of desirability. However, it's important to remember that deer will eat ANY PLANT during a severe winter when other browse is scarce
Do my trees and shrubs need to be fertilized during the summer months?
Answer
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 it is best applied to moist soil. If necessary, water your annual flowers first, then apply the liquid fertilizer solution.
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?
Answer
Ornamental grasses should be cut back to low (6 to 12 inch tall) clumps in late fall or early winter, every year.
How often should I water newly planted trees and shrubs?
Answer
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).
Should I only have trees and shrubs planted in the springtime?
Answer
While there are a few trees that should only be dug in the spring, most plants today are containerized or balled-and-burlapped (B+B) and can be planted anytime of the year.
When should I prune my Azaleas and flowering shrubs?
Answer
The best "rule of thumb" is to prune them within 30 days after they finish blooming. This will allow them time to form new flower buds for next year.
My new lawn looked great the first few years we lived in our new home. Now it is starting to look bad --- Why?
Answer
The first few years with a new lawn is called the "honeymoon period". After that, you'll start to see problems mostly related to thatch buildup. Then "the honeymoon is over!" Try to have your lawn core-aerate once or twice a year from the time it is planted --- that's good "preventive maintenance".
If I use a mulching mower will it produce thatch?
Answer
Thatch is most commonly produced by heavy fertilization with nitrogen, and some naturally occurring causes. Mulching clippings is usually a good idea; just be sure to mow more often and only when the grass is dry.
When should I trim my Pine trees?
Answer
This is a tricky question, since most people intermingled the word "pine" with "evergreen." In other words, a lot of people mistakenly call Spruce trees "Pines." While Spruce trees (think Blue Spruce) can be trimmed almost any time of year, Pines should be trimmed at a specific stage of growth, in order to allow time for new buds to form on the growing tips. For Pine trees, the proper time to trim them is when the new growth (called a "candle") has fully elongated and the needles are just starting to lengthen. Most often times this occurs around July 4.
I always thought Springtime was the best for lawn seeding and improvement, but someone told me Fall is the best time. Which is it?
Answer
Spring and Fall are both good, but Fall is the best. We consider September to be "Lawn Month." This is true in regards to seeding since 1) there is less weed competition in fall plantings, and 2) the young grass has two cool growing seasons before facing the heat of summer. It also applies to broadleaf weed control since weeds are starting to store reserves for winter and herbicides tend to be more effective. However, do not attempt to seed and control weeds at the same time -- in most cases the herbicide will adversely affect the young grass. Be sure to read the entire label of any herbicide you use!
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I FERTILIZE?
Answer
Trees, shrubs and turf should be fertilized at least 3 to 4 times a year. Use a winterizer in late fall to help prepare your plants for the winter, a general purpose in the spring to help get growth started, and at least one other feeding during the growing season
How can I prevent weeds from growing in the beds?
Answer
The most natural way to prevent weeds from growing is to put a 2" - 3" layer of mulch on the beds. Use of pre-emergent or foliar herbicide are also an option. We do not recommend installing weed fabric.
We are considering a pond with our new landscape design project. How much maintenance do they require?
Answer
There is some maintenance required with a pond. In the spring your pond will require opening, cleaning and periodic filter maintenance. In the fall it is recommended that the pump be removed and winterized. These services can all be done by Greenline. Please contact us for more information.
As a new homeowner, is there a good reason why I should bother with landscaping?
Answer
Landscaping adds value to your home and your neighborhood. The right landscaping can increase the value of your home by 15 percent, allowing owners to recoup 100 to 200 percent of their investment. Your landscape is one of the first things prospective buyers notice when they visit your house. Realtors estimate that 95 percent of home shoppers will not even get out of their car if the house lacks "curb appeal”.
What is hardscaping?
Answer
“Hardscaping” refers to the non-living elements of a landscape. Hardscaping includes elements made from concrete, brick, stone, or wood. For example, constructing a patio or deck is a hardscaping project, as is a brick walkway, a stone wall, or a wooden fence.
What is the difference between annual and perennial plants?
Answer
Annual plants that last only a year. Perennial plants live additional years, when compared to annual plants.
Do plants have a positive impact on the environment?
Answer
A turf area just 50’ x 50’ absorbs carbon dioxide and hydrogen fluoride, and releases enough oxygen to meet the needs of a family of four. In addition, plants not only absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the atmosphere, but plant leaves, roots, and soil combine to act as a highly effective air cleaner.
How much soil or bark do you need?
Answer
1. First measure the size of the area to be covered to get your total square feet value. Measure the length of the area in feet, and the width of the area in feet, then multiply them together. 2. Decide how deep the bark or soil needs to be. This will give you the square feet per cubic yard value: Depth Square feet per cubic yard 1 inches 324 2 inches 162 3 inches 108 4 inches 81 5 inches 65 6 inches 54 1 foot 27 Bark is typically put down at a depth of 4". 3. The number of yards of soil or bark you need can now easily be determined by dividing your total square feet value by your square feet per cubic yard value. total square feet / square feet per cubic yard = yards needed.
What is soil pH?
Answer
pH is expressed in a range from 0 to 14, with 0 most acidic, 14 most basic, and 7 neutral. Soil pH affects plant nutrient availability by controlling the chemical form of the nutrient. All plants do not have the same pH preference and choosing plants that thrive in the pH of your soil will improve chances of a great garden. However, if you want to grow a plant preferring a pH different from your soil, you can amend your soil to change pH.
What Do Those Three Numbers on a Bag of Fertilizer Mean?
Answer
When you buy a bag of fertilizer, it usually has a set of numbers that look something like this; '10-5-15' or '10-10-10'. These numbers represent the levels of major nutrients contained in the fertilizer represented as 'N-P-K' or 'Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium'. Nitrogen (N) percentage is the first number. This is a primary nutrient that makes the plant grow. Phosphorus (P) percentage is the middle number. This is a primary nutrient that encourages rooting, blooming and fruit production. Potassium (K) percentage is the last number on the bag. Potassium helps plants to resist disease and aids in hardiness.