Native shrubs are fantastic additions to just about any Denver landscape. While these plants do not require much maintenance, there are few things you should keep in mind when caring for them, especially during the summer months. If you are ready to keep your shrubs in great health, no matter the time of year, check out our four tips for summer shrub maintenance, below!
Water wisely
When it comes to watering your Denver shrubs, it is important to remember that young or newly planted shrubs require regular watering. This helps the plant establish strong root systems which are essential for keeping it healthy and thriving. For newly established shrubs, water weekly and thoroughly soak the roots throughout the plant’s growing season. For fully established shrubs, or those that are not newly planted, regular deep watering, or watering the plants root system, is still important. However, this may only be necessary once every other week.
Fertilize in the fall
Fertilizing fully established shrubs once a year is a great way to keep the plant healthy and happy. However, for young shrubs (or those that are less than one year old) this is not necessary and may cause harm to the plant. Applying fertilizer in the spring or late fall, when temperatures and soil moisture are most favorable, is recommended. By applying a fertilizer prior to the first snowstorm you can help ensure your plant stays healthy and thrives throughout the colder months.
Prune when necessary
Giving your shrub a good haircut is an easy way to help keep it healthy and looking its best. However, it is important to be aware of when and how much to prune. For shrubs that flower in the spring, we recommend pruning prior to the plants blooming period. For those that flower in the summer, we suggest waiting until winter or early spring during the shrub’s dormant period. When pruning your fully established shrubs, we recommend cutting back around 1/3 of the good wood. By pruning this much, you can help improve the health of the shrub and ensure you do not stunt the plant’s growth. It is also important to know that young or newly planted shrubs should not be pruned for at least one to two seasons.
Consult a professional
If you are unsure of how to care for your shrubs, the experts at Growing Green have you covered! With a prescription tree and shrub service, our professionals can evaluate your shrub situation and determine the best course of action to keep your plants healthy all year long. From strategies to prevent insect infestation and disease resistance to figuring out the best products to use on your trees and shrubs, our team is ready to assist you.
For questions or concerns about your trees and shrubs, contact Growing Green! Did you know we also have organic weed control products, lawn care programs, and snow removal services for the colder months? For more information give our knowledgeable staff a call and set up your first appointment, today!