{"id":2314,"date":"2019-06-06T09:18:58","date_gmt":"2019-06-06T09:18:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardener.guide\/?p=2314"},"modified":"2020-01-22T08:58:29","modified_gmt":"2020-01-22T08:58:29","slug":"15-care-maintenance-tips-for-shrubs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardener.guide\/15-care-maintenance-tips-for-shrubs\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Care & Maintenance Tips for Shrubs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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When it comes to landscaping, shrubs play a very important part. Shrubs are small or medium-sized plants. The shrubs are bigger than flowers, but much smaller than a tree. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most of the shrubs that are used are evergreen, but there are some that shed leaves during the winter months. When designing your lawn you should consider adding shrubs as they make a wonderful addition and attraction at areas such as hardscapes, walkways, and fountains. In addition, the shrub can be used as a background for the flowerbeds in your landscaping. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shrubs can add texture, beauty, and structure to your lawn. You can find shrubs based on your personal interests. Hydrangeas are quite popular because they have blossoms that last for a long time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When choosing shrubs for your landscape there are several things to consider when it comes to care and maintenance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are 8 care and maintenance tips for shrubs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Planting Time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you are choosing shrubs for your landscape it is important to consider the time of year that you are going to be doing your planting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The shrubs that you choose for planting need to be able to cope with the climatic conditions as well as the soil that they are being planted in. It is a good idea to research the type of shrub that you choose and to read all of the instructions and labels that are present in the packet that comes with the shrubs that you purchase. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most of the types of shrubs that are available do best when they are planted during the fall months. You should plan on planting the shrubs early during the fall season as this will allow them the most time to grow before the winter months hit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, there are some shrubs that are best planted in the spring as they will grow throughout the summer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Watering<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to growing plants, including any type of shrub, one of the most important things that these things need in order to grow is water. Water is an essential part of allowing your shrubs and plants to thrive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typically, you should plan on watering your shrubs and plants at least once each week. This watering needs to be thorough and soak the ground. One option is to use a sprinkler. You can adjust the timer of the sprinkler to roughly ten minutes to see if it allows enough time to soak the ground. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the ground is still absorbing the water you will need to set the timer for a bit longer to ensure that your shrubs are getting enough water in order to grow. If you plant your shrubs during the fall months you need to water regularly until the first frost hits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Feeding your Shrubs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Making sure that your shrubs are properly watered is extremely important. Just as important is making sure that your shrubs have the proper nutrients. Plants need nutrients in order to grow and to thrive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A newly planted shrub should not be treated with fertilizers. Instead, you will want to make sure that you use mulch around the shrubs. The mulch that you use should contain compost in order to enrich the soil with the nutrients that the plants need in order to grow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After your shrubs have had time to grow or if you have shrubs that have been planted for several years, you can then add fertilizer to the soil based on the needs of the plants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your plants are a bit fragile, you will want to simply add another layer of compost to the soil in order to increase the nutrient levels and help your plants thrive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Pruning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many people do not realize just how important it is to prune their shrubs. Pruning your shrubs is what is going to help them maintain their shape and their size. It is important to make sure that you are pruning your shrubs on a regular basis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is a good idea to make use of different tools in order to prune your shrubs properly. The best time to prune your shrubs is during the spring months. You can also give them a good pruning right before winter. This will help them to keep their shape during the winter months. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pruning is really a simple process, but it is important to make sure that you are careful. You should cut off any dead limbs or leaves from the shrubs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, any area that is growing in a weird direction should be removed. You can easily shape shrubs to grow to the size and shape that you desire. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Tying and Stalking the Branches<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you are planting shrubs it is important to make sure that you stalk your plants throughout your yard. This is really important when the shrubs are weak and you are having difficulty keeping them up straight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supporting the plants in this way is how you will help them grow in the right direction. You should keep the plants stalked until the trunk of the plant becomes very strong. The stalk that you use should be around the same height as the shrub. A wire stalk that is heavily wrapped should be tied to the branches of the shrub. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure that you use a cable that is covered with a hose in order to make sure that the bark of the shrub\u2019s branches is protected from any grinding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taking the time to stalk the branches of the shrub will ensure that it grows properly and is strong. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Testing the Soil<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned, when you are planting shrubs in your yard it is important to make sure that the soil has the proper nutrients that will allow the shrubs to grow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is also important to make sure that there are enough moisture and sunlight to ensure proper growth. One of the best things that you can do in order to make sure that your shrubs will continue to thrive is to test the soil where the shrubs are growing. A soil test kit can be purchased and used to make sure that there is not a shortage of nutrients in the ground where the shrubs are growing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can then fill in any gaps in nutrients by using the proper types of fertilizers. It is always best to choose a slow-release fertilizer option if the soil is short on nitrogen as this will continue to add the nutrient to the ground and help your shrubs and other plants grow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Pest Control<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to growing plants one of the leading causes of destruction is pests. There are numerous types of bugs and other pests that can harm your shrubs and plants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you notice any type of bug on your plants or you start seeing numerous holes in the leaves or browning of the leaves before the end of the summer and fall season, there is a good chance that you have some type of pest infestation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several pest control products available that you can purchase and use near and around your shrubs to help get rid of the pests that are causing the issues. Make sure that you research any type of product that you are going to use to ensure that it is safe for your plants and shrubs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another option is to call a lawn care professional. These professionals can look over your shrubs and other plants to determine the best method for getting rid of your pest problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Mulching<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the best things that you can do for your shrubs is to make sure that they are getting enough moisture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mulching is the best way to ensure that your plants are retaining moisture. Mulching also helps the soil maintain warmth. During the winter months, the mulch will sheet up, which helps the shrubs by taking water from the ground. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several organic mulching materials that can be used for mulching around your shrubs. Some of the best organic options include wooden chips, tree bark, and pine bark. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure that you are checking the moisture levels of the ground on a regular basis as you want your shrubs to have enough moisture all year long. In addition, you should regularly check the nutrient levels and keep your shrubs trimmed. Mulching with manure can also help ensure proper nutrient levels so that your shrubs will thrive for many years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Inspection Tips
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Taking an active interest in your shrubs is the best way to maintain their growth and health during the year. While shrubs are generally hardy plants, they do require some level of maintenance to ensure they remain free of pests and diseases.
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You can ensure the health of your shrubs by regularly checking on their foliage, stems, roots, and flowers. While it’s essential to monitor the health of your shrubs throughout the year, you’ll need to pay special attention to the plants during the start of the fall season.
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As the shrubs start to change color and shed their foliage before the onset of winter, it’s critical that you give them a close examination. Check for uneven or early pigmentation in the leaves of the shrub, and look for signs of other potential issues, such as defoliation and nutrient deficiencies in the soil. Check the base of the tree for mushrooms \u2013 if there is a large cluster, it may be a sign of root decay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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10. Spraying Leaves
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Waking up to find deer chewing on your new shrub garden is a frustrating experience to deal with for any gardener. If you live in an area of the United States where deer roam freely, then you may need to take protective measures against the destruction of your shrubs by local deer populations. Deer don’t care if you spend months cultivating your garden if the plant tastes good, then they will eat.
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The use of anti-desiccant sprays is popular among gardeners for increasing the visual qualities of the shrub. Antidesiccant use foliage feeding to enhance the levels of hydration in the leaves, allowing them to absorb more nutrients. Fortunately, the chemicals used in many anti-desiccant spray formulations help in providing our shrubs with resistance to deer damage as well.
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Anti-desiccant sprays add gloss to the leaves of your shrub, improving hydration levels while protecting the plants from wildlife in your area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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11. Transplanting Tips
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Shrubs are hardy plants, and they have high resistance against stress and damage. Even if a deer removes all of the foliage from the bush, the chances are that it will still manage to survive for many seasons after the attack.
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Due to their hardy nature, shrubs are one of the easiest and best plants for transplanting. Transplanting involves moving the bush from one area of the garden to another. If you are revamping your garden and want to change the position of your shrubs, you can transplant them without any fear of the bush dying due to the stress of the situation.
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The fall is the best time of year for transplanting. During the fall, the foliage does not grow due to the constraints on sunlight during the season. However, the roots grow a bit in the cold weather, allowing the shrub to make a smooth transition from one location to another, with minimal damage to the plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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12. Protection
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Where you plant your shrubs in your garden makes a significant difference in the growth and health of your plants. If your shrubs have exposure to high-winds, salt from ocean air, or the southwest sun, then these elements may affect growth, resulting in stunted plants. Recent transplants are also at risk of developing frost-crack if left exposed to extreme cold.
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Protect your shrubs from the elements using polypropylenes, paper, or burlap wrap around the trunk \u2013 burlap is our favorite. Burlap also makes an excellent insulating agent for foliage, and it’s a cheap material available in most hardware stores. Make a wind protector using stakes \u2013 stake four poles around the plant, and encase it in burlap.
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Attach the burlap to the stakes using twine and your DIY protector will keep your shrub safe during windstorms while allowing for airflow around the bush. Remember to remove the coverings in early spring before the shrub enters its growth stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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13. Staking
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When planting new or transplanted shrubs into the garden, they require support to remain upright. Staking the bush is a great idea to safeguard it against collapse. Planting shrubs bare-root will also result in the plant falling over. Stakes are a cheap and effective way of supporting your shrub while it establishes its root system in the ground.
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Drive a stake around 18-inches into the flowerbeds, at a distance of 6-inches away from the base of the plant. Use garden twine to fasten the shrub to the stake. However, make sure you leave a sizable gap that allows for the growth of the bush, without constricting the trunk. For younger trees, consider wrapping stiff wire inside a garden hose to prevent the tether from wearing on the bark of the plant.
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Remove the stake after a year of growth, and you should notice that your shrub has no issues with falling over or leaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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14. Handling Fungal Disease
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Fungal disease is one of the most significant threats to the health of your shrub. These plants do not have a high mold-resistance, and the chances are that they will develop a fungal infection if the weather remains humid and cold.
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There are a variety of different fungi responsible for deadly infection s in shrubs. The most common pathogen responsible for the development of fungal infection in bushes is “sooty mold.” In the case of this fungus, it attacks the honeydew sap deposits on the bark of the tree left by other pests, such as aphids and thrip.
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Powdery mildew is also another concern for shrub gardens. This disease attacks many different shrubs, resulting in the development of a white or greyish powder forming on the tops of the foliage. Rusts are also a concern for shrubs, characterized by the development of powdery fungal growths on areas of the plant, presenting a rust-colored infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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15. Selecting Your Planting Site
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The most crucial part of shrub gardening \u2013 is planting in the correct area of your garden. Most shrubs prefer regions of the yard where they get full sun throughout the day. The ground should drain well, and the plants should have protection from windstorms.
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Always plant your shrub in soil that’s fertile – if your garden does not have a flowerbed, then it’s best to prepare the ground for a few weeks before you start planting. Plant shrubs in the early spring to give them enough time to settle in their new environment before the start of winter. Avoid planting shrubs in shady areas, as the plant will lose its foliage and die, in most cases.
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Plan for the growth of your shrub, and don’t plant too near to a wall or fence. Ensure that the bush has enough room to grow to its optimal height, without getting in the way of fixtures.
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