Newly planted plants, especially evergreens, should be watered at least once to twice a month. Consider using a deep watering wand, this will help with deep water absorption. I like to use this general rule of thumb,” If it is nice enough outside to golf, than you should consider watering your plant material.”

The best time to prune plant material will depend on the particular type of plant material you have in your garden, and the desired effect you want from the plant .Please consider these general rules before pruning plant material.

1. Late winter or spring is the best time to prune woody plant material. You can typically see the structure of the plant at this time, and the cuts heal with spring growth.

2. There is one exception to this rule. All flowering plants should be pruned in the spring after they are done with their flush of color. For example, prune flowering lilacs in the spring, after they have completed their bloom cycle. If you prune them in fall or spring, you will be pruning off their flower buds for that year.

3. There are certain trees, like maples, that can bleed if pruned at the inappropriate time. Pruning these trees after they get their first growth, or late December will help with this.

4. Pine trees should be pruned after their first flush of growth.

5. Consider the weather when you are thinking about pruning. The forecast should be dry for roughly a week. This is important in spring when diseases can be active and possibly transferred to other plants.

6. Use sharp, clean tools when pruning.

Ornamental grasses have become extremely popular in today‘s landscape, due to their winter characteristics and extremely hardiness. Our general rule is to cut them back, roughly 8”-12” above the ground with a slight crown. Cut them back in late winter, when snow loads and harsh winter elements have beaten them down. Late February into March is generally a good time to accomplish this, depending on the severity of the winter season. I like to use a set of sharp hand pruners for smaller grasses, and a set of hedge shears, with the help of an assistant, for larger fuller grasses. Dividing older plants, that are dying in the middle or simply too big will help the health of each plant. Please remember to water the plant after each successful split.

Any season is a great time to design a magnificent night lighting design. If you currently have landscape lighting, please remember to change burned out bulbs with the same wattage bulb as originally installed.