Tom’s March Tips

1. Wait until new growth is established before removing winter mulch protection. Mulch protects plants from late spring freezes.
2. Remove tree wraps applied last fall.
3. General clean up. Rake the lawn and remove leaves, twigs and debris.
4. Check for winter snow and salt damage. Prune dead tips and broken branches.
5. Cut ornamental grasses back to a few inches before new growth begins.
6. Prevent soil compaction by avoiding walking across saturated lawns and garden beds.
7. Before buds break, spray trees with dormant oil for overwintering insects and scale. Temperatures should remain above 40 degrees. READ LABEL FOR INSTRUCTIONS.
8. Prepare new planting beds, if soil is dry. Work organic matter and compost into the soil before planting.
9. Fertilize trees and shrubs before new growth appears. A soil test will indicate a nutrient deficiency. Follow recommendations for fertilizer and PH adjustments.
10. Prune summer flowering shrubs before spring growth begins (i.e. Abelia, Beautyberry, Butterflybush, P.G. Hydrangea, “Anthony Waterer” Spirea, Snowberry, etc.).
11. Wait to prune spring flowering shrubs until after the flowers fade (i.e. Forsythia, Deutzia, Lilac, Mockorange, Bridalwreath Spirea, Weigela, etc).