Spring: The Season of Awakening

Spring is the most critical time for intervention. As the soil warms, root activity begins long before you see the first buds break.

• Dormant Pruning: Before the sap begins to flow heavily, remove any branches damaged by winter ice or heavy snow to prevent disease from entering open wounds.
• Soil Fertility: Apply a slow-release organic fertilizer to the "drip line" of your trees to provide the nutrients necessary for the upcoming growth spurt.
• Mulch Refresh: Check your mulch levels. A fresh 2-3 inch layer helps retain the abundant spring moisture for the drier months ahead.
• Pest Scouting: Early spring is the time to look for emerging scale or aphid populations before they reach peak activity.

Summer: Hydration and Heat Management

Summer is a season of stress. High temperatures and high transpiration rates mean your plants are working overtime to stay cool.

• Deep-Soak Irrigation: Instead of light daily watering, provide a deep soak twice a week. This encourages roots to grow deep into the cooler subsoil.
• The "Finger Test": Don't water on a schedule; water on demand. Stick your finger two inches into the soil; if it’s dry, it’s time to hydrate.
• Staking & Support: Ensure young trees are properly supported against summer thunderstorms and high winds.
• Heat Stress Monitoring: Watch for leaf scorch or premature "flagging" (wilting) in the afternoon sun, which indicates the plant is losing water faster than the roots can take it up.

Fall: Preparation and Root Development

Many gardeners think the season ends in September, but for trees and shrubs, fall is the most important time for root expansion.

• The Best Time to Plant: Fall’s cool air and warm soil provide the perfect environment for new nursery stock to establish roots without the stress of summer heat.
• Hydration Until Frost: Continue watering your evergreens until the ground actually freezes. Evergreens continue to lose moisture through their needles all winter.
• Clean Up for Health: Rake and remove fallen leaves that show signs of fungal spotting to prevent spores from overwintering in the soil.
• Avoid Late-Season Pruning: Do not prune in late fall. Pruning stimulates new growth that won't have time to "harden off" before the first hard freeze.

Winter: Protection and Structural Planning

Winter is the time for "Dormant Care," focusing on protection and long-term planning.

• Anti-Desiccants: For broadleaf evergreens like Hollies or Boxwoods, apply an anti-desiccant spray to reduce moisture loss through the leaves during dry winter winds.
• Snow Management: Gently brush heavy snow off the branches of upright shrubs with an upward motion to prevent snapping.
• Winter Mulching: If you had a late start, a thick layer of mulch applied after the first freeze acts as an insulator, preventing the "freeze-thaw" cycle from heaving new plants out of the ground.
• Structural Evaluation: With the leaves gone, winter is the best time to see the "skeleton" of your trees. Use this time to identify crossing branches or structural weaknesses to address in early spring.

Expert Guidance for Every Season

Every property has its own unique micro-climate that might require adjustments to this schedule. Whether you are struggling with patchy growth or planning a garden makeover, our team is here to help. We invite you to visit the nursery for a personalized seasonal care plan tailored to your specific collection of plants.