Are you wondering which plants work best in shade?
Or how do I get my plants ready for winter?
We have listed some frequently asked questions and provided answers to them. Just click on the question to see the answer.
If you have a question that is not listed please "Ask The Expert", and Dave will be happy to answer your questions.
Answers
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What is the best time of year to plant? |
Answer: A few varieties of trees (birch & oak) plant best in spring. Other varieties, if potted or balled & burlapped may be planted anytime - (spring, summer, or fall). If moving plants, dig in the early spring or late fall after a frost.
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How often should new plantings be watered? |
Answer: Watering depends on soil type and time of year. Generally water once or twice a week the first growing season after planting. After the first year, once every two or three weeks is usually sufficient. Don't forget to water in the fall, even though plants may be going dormant.
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What is the best time to prune plantings? |
Answer: This varies, depending on the variety of plants. Foundation evergreens may be pruned at anytime. Most flowering plants such as potentilla, spirea, etc. do best if pruned in the late fall or early spring. Shade trees can also be pruned late fall or early spring. A tip on pruning lilacs is to remove 1/3 of the largest canes every 3 years.
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What are some good shade plants? |
Answer: For total shade Yews, hostas, clethra, lungwort, ferns, and some varieties of perennials work best. For partial shade Viburnums, spireas, alpine currant, arborvitae, and some varieties or perennials work best.
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What are some good plant material choices for fall color? |
Answer: Trees: Rubrum maples, Sugar maples, Amur Maples, Serviceberries, Hawthorns and some Oak trees. Shrubs: Euonymous alatus (Burning Bush), Sumac, Viburnum, Spirea, Rhododendron.
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How long should new sod be watered? |
Answer: Water daily until rooted (usually 2 - 3 weeks). After rooted, water once a week to maintain a good growth.
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What is a good way to get plants ready for winter? |
Answer: Water plant material through the fall. Be sure plants are well watered when the ground freezes. Mulch the base of plant materials. Wrap trunks of deciduous trees.