Sunday, May 24, 2009

Pinch For New Growth

During this active growing month I am always pinching off new growth in areas that are full to let the areas that are a little lacking fill in. The more you pinch and prune the more you will get growth in areas that need it.

Keep your eyes open for larvae feeding on the candles (new growth) of Mugo Pine. They are very well adapted to hide there and very hard to see. When you do see them you'll be amazed at how many are there and how quickly they can clear a plant of it's growth. They are easy to kill though and any generic insect spray will work.

Water your trees.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Water, Water, Water

Plants need water. This is the time of year where damage begins that isn't seen till late summer and sometimes even fall. Established plants need an inch of water per week. An inch of water is not some rain one day last week. Next time it rains go out afterward and dig down a bit. You'll see how little actually gets to the roots of the plants. The best way to water is to soak the plants once or twice per week. A long slow soak.

New plants require a little more attention. Without an established root system they are more likely to be damaged by not enough water. If you aren't sure if they need water dig down a bit and feel the soil. It should be moist but not like mud.

Questions? Give me a call. 414-778-0104 or e-mail me jerry@mckaylandscaping.com

Monday, May 18, 2009

Lots To Do

We are in full spring in case you haven't noticed. I've been busy and not keeping up here. There is lots to do in your yard....besides cutting the grass.

All of your perennials should be up and growing. Some more than others. You should have cut off all of the old growth from last year to make room for the new stuff.

Roses should be showing new growth. Cut off all of the old stuff that isn't sprouting and died back over winter.

Mugo Pines are starting to candle. (that's the new growth) Now is a good time to prune the candles to control the amount of new growth. Take a good look at them.... a real close look. I saw my first little worms starting to eat away at them. They are small grey and black guys that need to be sprayed with insecticide.

Fluff up your mulch. Don't add more unless you are too thin in areas. Most of you can just take a rake and fluff it up to renew the color and make it last longer. It also helps keep some of the weeds from getting a foot hold.

Great time to plant. If you need help selecting plants or coming up with a great plan let me know.