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Maintaining Your Plants

Watering

A regular watering schedule is key the first year for new plants to establish a healthy root system. Too much or too little water can cause a plant to wilt. The best way to determine if a plant needs water is to check the soil with your hands about 3-4″ around the base of the plant. If the soil is dry then it needs water, if the soil is moist then it does not need to be watered. The ultimate goal is for the root ball to be completely saturated and allowed time to dry out before watering again.

How to determine the watering schedule

During the spring and fall, when the temperatures are cooler and there is supplemental rain, check the soil every 3 -5 days, usually requiring watering twice a week. During the summer, when it is hot and dry, check the soil every 2-3 days, usually requiring watering 3 times a week. Keep in mind that plants in the sun dry out faster then plants in the shade. However, plants under overhangs, bay windows, deck and large tree canopies can dry out, because they are blocked from supplemental rain.

Methods of watering

Hose – Watering with a hose by hand allows for more accuracy. Attach a wand or sprayer to the end of the hose and adjust to the shower setting. Focus getting the water on the base of the plant, circulating the hose around the base. Allow time for the water to soak while you move on to the next plant, and then go back and water again, so, that you are saturating the roots of the plant thoroughly. About 1 minute for perennials, 2-3 minutes for small to medium shrubs, and 3 -5 minutes for large shrubs and trees.

Soaker Hose – Watering with a soaker hose is ideal for small areas of plants. The soaker hose can be attached directly to the hose bib or to a timer that will turn the water according to the set schedule. The soaker hose should be wrapped around the base of each plant so that all sides of the root ball are watered. Soaker hoses release water slowly, allow 30 – 45 minutes for the soaker hose to thoroughly saturate the soil around the plant.

Gator Bags – Gator bags can be used to water trees. Place the gator bag around the base of the tree and fill up with water. The water will slowly be absorbed into the roots over a few days. Allow a few days for the soil to dry out and repeat.

Trimming

Rule of thumb: best time to trim shrubs is immediately after they have finished blooming. Evergreen shrubs that do not bloom can be trimmed when necessary throughout the year. Use a hand pruner to keep a natural look or a hedge trimmer for a more formal look. Perennials will benefit from deadheading (removing spent blooms). Cut back perennials to the ground after the first frost. The plant will completely shrivel up and wilt after the first frost, so it does not hurt it to cut back the dead foliage. The roots will still be under the ground, and produce a new plant the following year.

Mulching

Choosing to mulch in either the spring or fall will help protect the roots of the plants and help prevent weeds. Before you apply the mulch, make sure to clean all debris/weeds from the beds. Avoid piling the mulch to close to the stem/trunk of the plant so that it can breathe.

The mulch can help keep the weeds to a minimum, but it’s probably a good idea to do a quick weeding of the beds every month.  If you don’t have time to pull the weeds then a Round-Up weed spray that you can purchase at a nursery or home depot will do the trick.  Apply the spray directly to the weed, careful not to get it on your other plants. The weeds should die in about 2 weeks.

Fertilizing

A slow release granular fertilizer, such as Osmocote or Hollytone is recommended rather than a water based fertilizer, which allows for error. It’s best to fertilize when the ground is wet, whether after it has rained or after you have watered your plants thoroughly. *Please use gloves when handling any type of fertilizer* Lightly sprinkle the fertilizer around the base of each plant (please, read and follow directions on the fertilizer package).

The best time to fertilize is in the spring when the plants are growing, and the fall to supplement the plants through the winter. The summer is too hot and dry, fertilizing could burn the roots of the plants. In the winter the plants go dormant, they are not growing, so there is no need to fertilize.

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The tree won’t expire right away, because just as trees grow slowly, they also (usually) die slowly. And the damage will be invisible, hidden below the soil that’s been heaped up around the trunk. So maybe you won’t know that your pretty bed is the reason for your handsome tree’s decline. But still, the fact remains.

You can see examples of this fatal mistake in front yards across the country. Why do so many people do it? Probably because of that old familiar story: one person does a new thing, and maybe this person has some sort of status or visibility, and then other people copy the thing, or “professionals” recommend it, and gradually more and more people come to think it is a good idea. Remember Mohawk haircuts? Pet rocks? Sack dresses? Well, those trends were just silly and didn’t hurt anyone. But this one is really destructive. It has to stop.

Possible reasons for this mistake

Now please understand, I do realize that a common justification for these raised beds is to keep careless mowers and trimmers from harming the tree bark. Well… this “solution” is probably even worse than the problem it is supposed to prevent, because in raised beds the damage surrounds the trunk entirely, whereas mower damage is concentrated in one or two survivable wounds (survivable unless they happen again and again, in which case the solution really should be to remove the operator of the equipment.)

I also sympathize with the impulse to create tidiness in our landscapes. A nice edge to trim against: this can be very appealing. I get it. But there has to be some other way to achieve the desired tidiness effect without accidentally killing the very tree that is being celebrated.

And finally, I appreciate that sometimes, when you’re looking for a place to add some flowers in the yard, using the tree as a centerpiece in a bed that’s elevated for better visibility might seem like a good idea. But it is not. As with everything in landscape design, the right solution must include considerations beyond just how something will look.

What to do instead

If you have a tree standing alone in your yard, here are some alternatives to the deadly raised bed:

• Mulch the ground around the trunk, but only on the level where the tree emerges from the ground.
• Make this area of mulch as big as possible, ideally at least out the edge of the branch canopy.
• For mulch, use the leaves from the tree itself (composted, chopped, or ideally just left where there they fall).
• Be sure to leave the trunk “flare” exposed, un-covered by either soil, mulch or any material that will hold moisture against the bark.
• If you still want a solid boundary to trim against, you can install around the perimeter of the mulch some sort of low edging.

Even better would be to have a group or grove of trees growing together in one large swath of rich soil that remains nearly always untouched and un-gardened. In this soil will gradually thrive microbes, fungi and other invisible creatures that help keep trees vital and healthy. (If a lot of unwanted plants show up here too, then you might need to intervene, but try to use a light touch and work with nature’s processes rather than engaging in constant battle.)

Do you still want to have a raised bed full of pretty flowers? I recommend that you build it somewhere other than around a beautiful, mature tree. Or else, if you must put the bed in just that spot and no other, you might as well cut down the tree at the start and save yourself the trouble later.

—-Written by Sue Reed

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Hoot Landscape has over thirty-five years of experience in residential landscape design and installation to preserve your landscape’s integrity for years to come and maintain your beautiful investment.

Hoot Landscape provides Design & Landscape installation, Natural Stone work, stamped patios and walkways in Auburn, Fort Wayne, New Haven, Huntertown, Leo, Columbia City and Laotto.

Call (260) 637-3527 to set up and appointment today!

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Healthy soil is key to a healthy and happy landscape, whether you’re growing vegetables or ornamentals. Here are 5 easy steps to improve the health of your soil.

1. Get a soil test to find out if your soil has any major deficiencies.

2. At least once a year, turn two or three inches of compost into your planting areas, or top dress with a mixture of compost and mulch. Top turf areas with one inch of compost.

3. Keep all planting area covered with at least two inches of mulch. Wood chips, dry leaves, pine needles, or coarse compost are all good options.

4. In vegetable gardens, rotate crops when possible or alternate with cover crops (buckwheat and field peas, for example)

5. Use herbicides as as last resort if at all, and if you have pest problems, follow the guidelines of Integrated Pest Management.

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A good first impression can make a world of difference when you’re selling your home. By upgrading your curb appeal, you have a chance to influence how potential buyers feel about your home before they even step inside.

While it’s important to balance the money you spend on improvements with a realistic idea of what you can recoup, many improvements to your landscaping can cost little, compared to the benefits of increased home value and a faster sale.

Front yard landscaping should be colorful and attractive. But a garden that reads “high-maintenance” can scare people away, so it’s important to keep landscaping neat and uncluttered.

Below is a list of some simple ways to improve your curb appeal when selling your home.

Get a fresh perspective

Before you can choose which projects to start with, it helps to see your landscape with fresh eyes and a broad, overall view. We get so used to our landscaping that it can be hard to pinpoint what others might see. There are two simple tricks to seeing your landscape with a new viewpoint. With both of these techniques, the goal is to forget what you think you know about your landscape and to instead see what is actually there.

The first is an old artist’s trick. Stand back from your landscape, far enough away that you can see all of it at once. Then squint your eyes until they blur, and try to clear your mind.

There may be areas that, when viewed with blurred eyes, appear dark and overgrown. Some areas might feel messy because there are too many small plantings, statues, or pots. Or, you may have an area that is bright and clean, but a little too bare. All of these insights can give you a general idea of which projects to tackle first.

The second technique you can use to see your landscape with fresh eyes is to take some black and white photographs of your landscaping. Taking color away can make a familiar space seem new, so you can see it with objective eyes. Nowadays, most digital cameras have a black and white setting, so this is easy to do even if you’re not a techno-whiz.

Define the borders and add mulch

Clean edges fool the eye into seeing the entire landscape as neat and well-maintained. If lawn has crept into your garden beds and created an uneven line, then defining the border can improve the look of the whole landscape.

Start by laying out a garden hose, or using spray chalk to outline the new border. Don’t make the beginner’s mistake of creating a wavy, “drunken snake” of a line; instead go for broad, sweeping curves that are in scale with the size of your home. Then, use a mattock or pulaski to chip away at the grass until you have a clean, attractive line.

Once you’ve established a neat border, a layer of wood chip mulch adds a refined look. Not only does it help keep weeds down during the selling process, but the bright color is attractive, smooths out an uneven soil surface, and generally gives the landscaping a professional finish.

Prune overwhelming shrubs

While pruning can be tough to tackle if you don’t know what you’re doing, there are a few simple pruning techniques that can make a fast difference.

Just remember that you don’t want to prune anything severely if you can help it, or attack anything with the hedging shears unless the plant is quite clearly meant to be a hedge. That kind of pruning makes it obvious that the maintenance got out of control, which is not the signal you want to send to potential buyers!

Instead, focus on subtler ways of pruning. One technique that makes shrubs look neat with little effort is to “skirt” them. Skirting is when you prune around the base of a shrub, removing any branches that are within 6 inches of the ground. This gives a more open appearance, and works wonders on Rhododendrons and other shrubs that can look moundy and overwhelming when sprawling on the ground

Another good pruning task is to gently prune any plant that is touching the house. Plants that lean on the house can cause chipped paint as well as mold and ant infestations. If your buyer has a home inspection done, it’s a problem that will be noted in the report. Pruning plants 8 inches to 1 foot away from the house will give the landscaping a more open appearance, as well as give you room to power wash the house or touch up paint as needed.

The only shrubs that should be pruned heavily are those that are flopping over a walkway, blocking the view from the street to the front door, or keeping light from streaming into a window. Even then, it’s better to thin plants gracefully or consider even removing them, rather than going in for The Big Chop.

Add color with paint and pots

If a focal area isn’t drawing the eye as it should (think front door, patio and seating areas), a bold shot of color can be just what’s needed. While the obvious solution is to use container plantings, there are a few important points to remember.

First, less is more. Choose just one or two larger pots that have a distinctive color or shape, rather than lots of small pots that can feel cluttered.

Next, go for a simple one- or two-color planting scheme that highlights what is special about your home, like the color of the stone, trim, or surrounding shrubs. This keeps the focus on your home, rather than on the individual plantings.

Lastly, don’t be afraid of paint. If your patio furniture looks tired and worn, it will be hard for potential buyers to envision themselves sitting there. Freshly stained or painted patio furniture can draw the eye and help buyers imagine the great times they’ll have in their new landscape. Choose a color that picks up on some element in the landscaping, and add a few cushions to set the scene.

Ask for help

Hoot Landscape offers consultation services.  If you’re having trouble deciding what to focus on, even a short meeting with us can help you pinpoint the tasks that you need to work on.

As you can see, even a small investment in the landscape goes a long way towards increasing your curb appeal and making it more likely that buyers will fall in love with your home.

Give us a call today if you would like one of our professionals to assist you with making your home stand out from the rest of your neighbors.   Call us at 260-637-3527

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There are many evergreens, berries, and branches that make beautiful and fresh displays. It’s also quite fun and rewarding to walk through your garden with your pruners cutting from plants you’ve grown yourself to use during the holidays.

Decorate wreaths, garland, centerpieces, cut arrangements, mailboxes, mantles and much more! Planting these trees and shrubs in your garden will not only add beauty to your garden but will also ensure you have beautiful Christmas landscape displays year after year.

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Fort Wayne Landscape Design

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Great patio furniture brings people together whether it is on your deck or porch something says, “Come! Relax! Enjoy!” when patio furniture is involved.
The perfect patio furniture changes everything. Dining outdoors can be a breeze – chill a bottle of wine, toss something simple on the grill, and set a table with flickering outdoor candles.

Adding a fire pit as part of your landscaping will extend the enjoyment of your backyard for you and your guests. They provide warmth, light, a cooking source, and ambiance, making them a natural gathering spot for socializing, entertaining, and relaxation.

People are drawn to the campfire-like atmosphere, and before you know it, there will be story-telling and laughter. A fire pit can also serve as an important focal point in your outdoor landscape design. When placed where it can be easily seen from your interior living space, it can be enjoyed from the indoors as well.

When it comes to patio furniture just a simple touch to your landscaping can make a difference.

From adding comfortable pillows, cushions to large outdoor umbrellas, it all matters in your outdoor oasis .  But make  sure to fold the umbrella device into its “down” position when it is not in use. With a large gust of wing, the umbrella can become a sail and rip through your yard – or worse, your neighbor’s yard – without warning. If you are on vacation, take the umbrella in during that time, to avoid any hazards that might be out of your control.

The sun and wind are bound to take a toll on your cushions and frames, so do them a favor by moving them around, so they all get equal coverage from the elements. This will also help keep your outdoor area looking fresh and new throughout the season!

Whatever you do, do not make excuses about your outdoor space. If it is important to you, you will outfit it accordingly.

If you are interested in purchasing outdoor living patio furniture, visit our partner at www.modernlinesdesign.com

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DEFINE YOUR ENTRY

Whether you’re designing a front entrance, you should create a landscape that directs visitors to the entry and doesn’t require them having to walk across your lawn to reach the door.  When planning your path, make it as comfortable as possible. Rule of thumb is ensuring that it is wide enough for two people to fit side-by-side  or at least 4 feet wide. You can choose from a variety of paving materials, but it’s important to select a material that complements the rest of your landscape while standing out slightly to give the path definition. Brick, stone and concrete are the most common options, but wood or gravel are also a popular look.

While a path can help define a front entry, it’s also a good idea to add at least one focal point between the sidewalk and the entrance to further distinguish the entryway from the rest of the landscape. You can choose from a variety of options, but plantings are the most common.

HERE ARE SOME FRONT ENTRY IDEAS AND DESIGNS TO GIVE YOUR HOME’S EXTERIOR A BEAUTIFUL AND UNIQUE APPEARANCE.

•    Incorporate a walkway – nothing is more beautiful and welcoming than a walkway from the driveway to the front porch. Whether you go for brick, stone or concrete, it is a popular front entry design.

•    Add potted plants and flowers – even if you don’t have a front porch, there are still plenty of great front entry ideas. Hang potted plants on either side of your door to accentuate the entrance, and make sure you use pots and plants of various sizes and shapes.

•    Go for a natural look – you may be surprised at how different your front entrance looks by just adding a few boulders and rocks to the garden.

•    Stairs – is your front yard on a slope? If you have to walk uphill to get to the front door, don’t feel limited in your design choices – just work with what you have! One of the most popular front entry ideas for this type of yard is a brick or stone stairway. It gives your home a welcoming appearance and visitors probably won’t even notice the hill!

•    Koi ponds – A lot of people also turn to small little ponds or seating areas that will encourage people to spend more time on their front yard. Ponds can also bring a feeling of serenity to your yard, especially if you fill your ponds with fish.

•    Put in a retaining wall – retaining walls are another great front entry landscaping idea for homes on a slope. However, a retaining wall can be used purely for aesthetic purposes as well. And they create a beautiful front entrance for any style home!

•    Add Landscape Lighting– brighten your front entrance with landscape lighting, whether it’s a couple of lamp post on either side of the door or lining the walkway or adding a light fixture to the porch ceiling. This front entry landscaping design will not only add beauty to your front entrance but make it easier for your party guests to make their way to the front door at night!

Good landscape design can significantly improve your property’s appearance by adding warmth, curb appeal and personality. Every home should make a good first impression, and dressing up your front entrance is an excellent way. Hoot Landscape & Design can landscape your front entryway and give your front garden the perfect finishing touch.

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