Do-It-Yourself
For the weekend warriors who want to do the landscaping around your house, we offer some simple tips.
Planting Tips
Trees and shrubs must be planted at the right depth and receive the correct amount of water if they are to survive and grow properly. Planting too deep, underwatering, or overwatering are the most common planting errors. Planting holes should never be dug deeper than the height of the root ball. Planting holes should also be three times wider than the root ball to allow the roots to grow quickly in loosened soil.
Pruning Tips
Pruning plants is essential to healthy plant development by promoting new growth and removing disease. In general, always cut near new growth, such as a bud or another branch. Cutting beyond can kill portions of the branch, and cutting before will prevent the plant from froming a callus over the cut surface, inviting insects and infection. Proper tools should be used for pruning and cuts should be smooth to aid in healing.
Mowing Tips
Grass does better if its cut at a higher mower setting. Higher mowing heights provide for deeper root systems, which leads to a healthier, better looking lawn and less chance for weed invasion. Avoid mowing in the heat of the day or when it's wet, which can damage your grass, and wait twenty-four hours after fertilizer or another lawn application has been added to your lawn. Also be sure your mower blades are sharp to ensure clean cuts and try to avoid sharp turns, which can lead to scalping the lawn and damage the crowns of the plants.
