Spring is trying to settle in, but despite the latest snowfall, there are still things that need to be done to keep the plant in your yard healthy.

 

It is time to remove any protective wrap from cedars, spruce, Rhododendrons, etc, now that temperatures have warmed up. Warm temperatures and poor air circulation can cause fungus problems, which is unhealthy for a plant.

 

Pruning many of the deciduous trees and shrubs in the landscape is done when the buds begin to swell. Do not prune Birch, Maple, or Walnut trees right now because the sap is flowing and if they are pruned now they will be seriously harmed. Prune these trees in mid summer or after the first cold snap when the sap is no longer flowing.

 

Early flowering shrubs such as Forsythia, Lilacs, and Double Flowering or Purple leaf sand Cherry are not pruned now but are pruned after they have finished blooming. It is too early to prune evergreens as these are sheared later in the season when there is new growth.

 

After trees and shrubs are pruned an application of ‘Lime Sulfur and Dormant Oil’ should be applied. This is a combination of a fungicide and insecticide that will help kill overwintering disease, and pests. I cannot stress enough how important this is, as it is much easier to prevent a problem rather then have to deal with it. Always read all the instructions before using this as the temperatures must remain above freezing and the deciduous tree/shrub should be sprayed before it breaks into leaf.

 

Perennials can be cleaned up once the snow is gone. Remove any extra mulch and clean up the dead foliage. I noticed that some of the perennials around the house foundation are already showing signs of life as are some of the flowering spring bulbs. If you have plants/bulbs growing under eaves or near a building foundation check the soil to see if it is moist. Sometimes the soil can be dry in these areas and will need to be watered.

 

As soon as you can get the shovel in the ground you can start moving and dividing most perennials. Peonies, lilies and irises are better left to the fall for being transplanted and divided.

 

* The annual tree pruning clinic will be held next weekend. It will be held at the Art Knapp College heights location only on Kimball Road just off of Highway 16. There are two dates. Saturday April 13, at 9:30 a.m or Sunday April 14, at 1:30 p.m. There is a $10.00 cost that will be donated to the Child Development Centre. This is a good opportunity to pick up some pruning tips especially if you have never pruned before.