Professional landscapers share their secrets.
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Creating and maintaining a good-looking yard is one of the most daunting aspects of homeownership.
Always Take A Soil Sample
Soil testsare an essential first step for long-term landscaping success.
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Experts recommend testing your soil before planting anything.
This is the only way to ensure yourefertilizing properly.
Good roots equal good plants, explains Campbell Vaughn, a UGA Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent.
Dont Fight Mother Nature
Never take a stab at fight Mother Nature, warns Arnold.
This is especially true when it comes to water needs.
Remember that native plants have adapted to thrive in the climate where you live.
Instead of forcing things, he says to plant well-adapted plants in a well-thought-out design.
Use the momentum of Mother Nature to augment your design and minimize the work, Arnold adds.
According to Vaughn, homeowners overwater 85 percent of the time and underwater 15 percent of the time.
So, whatever you do, don’t “set it and forget it.”
November is best, April is OK, summer is a no, says Vaughn.
Remember that installing plants is stressful to their root systems.
This way, the plants will be ready to go when spring arrives.
Dig Appropriately Sized Holes
Roots grow out, not down.
Because of this, holes for new plants should be dug wide, not deep.
Plants that are installed too deep will struggle, stunt, and eventually die.
To install a plant properly, Vaughn says to start by breaking up anypot-bound rootsby massaging or cutting them.
Pull the soil away from the trunk of the plant to cover any exposed roots.
Pack the soil in the gaps to avoid air pockets.
Water the plant to saturation after installing, and then check again for void pockets.
Add soil to fill those gaps and then leave it alone for four to five days.
Evergreens, however, are best pruned in the fall.
Research your specific plants to figure out how to care for them in each season.
