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The best time to prune trees and shrubs is when they are dormant. Just prior to bud break in March or early April is the ideal time, although it can be done anytime during the dormant season.

Renewal pruning shrubs is one of the best things you can do to your landscape. Many shrubs, such as dogwoods and lilacs, benefit tremendously from regular renewal pruning. Renewal pruning involves selective removal of the oldest, heaviest canes from shrubs at the groundline. This is usually done either with a pruning saw or a scissor-type lopper. In spring, buds break below the cut, renewing the plant.

The benefits are well worth it - a slightly smaller, healthier plant which maintains the plant's architecture. Please consult our experts for advice on which shrubs you have that could benefit from renewal pruning or contact us to look at pruning your landscape.Young trees, 3-15 years in the landscape can also benefit tremendously from proper pruning to help shape and enhance their form. Unless you are experienced, we advise that you seek professional advice or help. Johnson's Nursery offers a wide variety of pruning services for young to intermediate trees, shrubs and evergreens.

The cool season grasses, such as Karl Foerster grass should be cut back to remove all but 2-3" of the previous season's growth, prior to new growth.


Remove any protective winter wraps or plastic tree spirals from young trees. If left on, it creates a perfect enviroment for insects and disease when temperatures reach high levels. Wait until the grass greens up to remove any hardware cloth or chicken wire enclosures for rabbit protection.

Cut stems of Forsythia, Double-flowering Plum, Nanking Cherry or Corneliancherry Dogwood just above a lateral branch for forcing fresh indoor, early spring blooms. Bring inside and use a hammer to slightly smash the end of the stem to help it better take up water in a vase. You will be enjoying spring in a few days!
 

Turn the compost pile over. This will help "reheat" it, speeding up decomposition so it can be ready for use in spring.

If you are thinking about getting a landscape design and installed, March is the perfect time to contact one of our Landscape Architects or Designers for a professional plan. A quality design will give your landscape efforts focus and direction. Plus, contacting your landscape designer or architect earlier in the season means faster turnaround time.

Johnson's Nursery offers a wide variety of pruning and arborist services for trees, shrubs and evergreens.

Gift cards are available at Johnson's Nursery, Inc.™ in any amount. They make an excellent house-warming gifts for new homeowners, and also help mark special occasions like the birth of a child, birthdays, and anniversaries.