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Protect Your Plants in Winter

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Frost, Trees & Plants.

Our winter weather is starting to turn cold and you need to protect your plans to keep them in top shape all year long. Here are our suggestions on how to protect your plants in December weather.

Adjust Your Watering Schedule

Although your plants require water to thrive, they need less water during winter months. Adjust your irrigation schedule to slow down. Wildflower seedlings, for example, only need to be watered every week or so. Trees need watering once a month or less depending on the weather. Mature trees like mesquite and palo verde trees can handle minimal amounts of water.

Use Protective Materials

Your plants need a little extra protection throughout the winter in the form of blankets and frost cloths. Use this extra protection when temperatures dip under 30 degrees. You can use Styrofoam cups to protect the tips of your columnar cacti.

Watch the Weather Forecast

Be sure to check your local weather forecast regularly to judge how you should be taking care of your plants. The way you care for your plants will change from day to day in certain circumstances.

Would you like additional tips on protecting your plants from December weather? Contact Santa Rita Landscaping or visit our website. We specialize in landscape design and landscape maintenance in Tucson. You can find out much more about our services by calling us at (520) 623-0421 today.

What to Plant in Your Vegetable Garden This Fall

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Trees & Plants.

The fall season is coming and now is the perfect time to consider adding vegetables to your garden. As outdoor temperatures start to cool off, you will be able to plant a variety of vegetables that will thrive in cooler temperatures.

If you are wondering what to plant this fall, here is a look at some great vegetables to consider in the upcoming season.

Broccoli

If you have been encouraging your family to eat their broccoli, you should consider adding this bountiful brassica to your fall vegetable garden. Broccoli is a cool weather plant that prefers lower sunlight and plenty of water. After you plant broccoli from seed, your plants will mature in about 80 days.

Cabbage

Cabbage is an edible and decorative addition to any garden. When you plant cabbage in the fall, you can rest assured that this vegetable is well suited to Tucson’s weather. As you are selecting cabbages to plant, you may want to consider alternating species that develop in vibrant shades of green, purple, and even blue.

Collard Greens

Many chefs and gardeners are turning to collard greens as the latest vegetable trend. When you plant collard greens in the fall, your plants will be ready to harvest in as few as 40 days. Additionally, collards are remarkably resistant to both hot days and cooler temperatures.

For help planning your fall garden, be sure to get in touch with Santa Rita Landscaping. We proudly provide the Tucson area with a variety of landscape design and maintenance services, and we will help you create a beautiful and seasonally appropriate garden. To set up a consultation for your landscaping today, give us a call at (520) 623-0421.

Trim Your Trees Before Spring

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Tree Services, Trees & Plants.

This is the month to trim your trees. Trimming trees will encourage them to grow strong and healthy.  Trimming will allow trees to withstand harsh weather and not become uprooted.  This is especially important if they are located around your house or other structures.

In addition, tree trimming adds aesthetic beauty to your property creating a fuller tree with great structure and provide shade.

The Best Time to Trim

Trim your trees before spring.Major pruning should be done between late fall through March 1st. Minor pruning can be done year-round.

We recommend that you do some arbor research before pulling out the pruners.  Research can be acquired from online, through books or the library, or by consulting a professional arborist.

Major Tree Trimming

When tree growth has gotten out of hand you will need a different approach than normal trimming.

First, remove all scraggly, weak, and dead branches. Cut them flush with large branches or the trunk.

Second, you will want to reduce the size of the full canopy by approximately a third.  Begin by cutting growth on the outer portions of larger branches. Then work your way into the target point. Cutting smaller portions will make removal easier as well as relieve tension gradually which is much safer.

Third, keep overall trimming as symmetrical as possible for the best appearance. Any branches you want to remove totally should be cut flush with the larger branch being left.  It is important to avoid cutting a branch at a midpoint. Always try to find a joint to make the cut.

Finally, give your tree a long deep watering after pruning. Consider fertilizing the tree around mid-April.