It’s Time for Spring Cleaning

Even though it’s been rather mild, we’re ready to say goodbye to winter! With the official start of spring just weeks away, now is a good time to start tackling those seasonal cleanups that are vital to the health of your landscape. While there are several aspects of spring maintenance (click here for a comprehensive list), one important element that relates directly to your trees and shrubs is pruning.

The wind and cold weather that comes with Kansas winters can damage your trees and shrubs. Proper pruning when spring rolls around allows sunlight and the flow of spring air to reach live stems, spurring healthy, new growth. Let’s cover a few spring pruning basics:

1. When it comes to pruning trees, you don’t want to go overboard since fresh cuts could attract insects and disease in warmer weather. That said, if you notice that your trees have any broken, damaged, or rubbing branches, it would be wise to prune them so the trees don’t become further distressed. Pruning recommendations differ based on the variety of tree in question. Be sure to do your research or consult with a professional before you prune so you avoid problems like wilt, bleeding (of the tree, not yourself), or other disease pathogens.
2. Regarding pruning shrubs, you will want to prune any branches that have experienced winter-kill. Like trees, pruning guidelines for shrubs will differ based on the variety of shrub in question. Spring is considered a good time to cut back hardy-flowering shrubs like roses, spireas, and hydrangeas. You’ll also want to be sure to clear any leaves that accumulated around the base of your shrubs.
3. Because many people like to leave ornamental grass up through winter to add color and texture to their landscape, spring is a good time to prune them. Trim these grasses back to remove any dead growth, and be sure to clear any leaves that have accumulated around the base of the plant.

There Are Always Exceptions to the Rules

It’s important to remember that pruning guidelines vary based on the variety and type of tree or shrub in question, as well as local climates. With so many varieties of plants out there, we can’t go into specifics on each of them in this post.

If you have questions about how and when to prune your trees and shrubs, the best thing you can do is reach out to a professional. Our team is full of plant lovers and horticulturists, and we’re always happy to help answer your questions.

Topeka Landscape is here to do ALL your seasonal maintenance

Maybe you have other things you’d like to do besides clean up the yard. Oh, you know, like … bike riding, barbequing, hiking, porch swinging. Lucky for you, our team is here to tend your lawn and landscape so that you can get out there and enjoy the things you love! All you need to do is contact us today and we’ll get you taken care of!

Our seasonal maintenance work includes:

• Pruning trees, shrubs, and perennial deadheading
• Cutting back ornamental grasses and perennials
• Picking up branch and leaf debris left behind by winter
• Pulling weeds
• Top-dressing beds with fresh mulch
• Pre-emergent treatments to help prevent weed germination

Go ahead. Give us a shout, then go out there and do what you love, whatever that may be!