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Tag: fertilizing

WHEN TO FERTILIZE YOUR SHRUBS

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Fertilizing Trees, Landscaping.

Diverse and resilient, shrubs can add new life to your home’s landscape.  By following the proper steps for fertilization, your shrubs will stay vibrant.  Here are some fertilization techniques for shrubs:

 FERTILIZE ON MAJOR HOLIDAYS

A good way to remember a fertilization schedule for your shrubs is by using the major holidays during the warm months of the year. You should fertilize on Easter, Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Labor Day to keep your shrubs looking great all year round.

CHOOSING A FERTILIZER

Make sure you select a good general-purpose fertilizer. We recommend a granular fertilizer for regular use.  It is easy to use with no mixing required.  Select granular fertilizer that contains around 10% Nitrogen (N), 10% Phosphorus (P), and 10% Potassium (K), (10-10-10).  Granular Fertilizer is usually very concentrated, so make sure to follow the directions. Apply the fertilizer evenly around the plant from the trunk to the outer edge of the plant canopy.  Don’t pile it up in one spot. Granular Fertilizer dissolves slowly over time.   It is a good idea to give the plant a good watering before and after application.

POOR FERTILIZATION SIGNS

Yellow leaves on a plant is a sign of poor fertilization as well as the absence of blooms on flowering shrubs, thinning of leaves, and weakened branches.  You may have to change your pruning routine for your shrubs and adjust watering as well as selecting a new fertilizer to solve these problems.

For more tips on caring for your Tucson, Green Valley, or Oro Valley home’s landscape, consult Santa Rita Landscaping today. You can explore our custom residential design and commercial maintenance services by visiting our website or calling us at (520) 623-0421.

NOW IS THE TIME TO FERTILIZE AND CLEAN YOUR IRRIGATION FILTER

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Fertilizing Trees, Irrigation Systems, Landscaping.

April is a great time of year to clean your irrigation filter and reset your irrigation controller for the summer. Your landscape will require springtime maintenance to prepare for the hot Tucson summer days ahead.  We suggest the following preparation tips:

How TO CLEAN YOUR IRRIGATION FILTER

An irrigation system helps keep the shrubs hydrated even with high temps on them keeping them green and lush all year.  First, shut off the water. Then you need to remove and clean the filter which is located in your irrigation valve box so that your system stays clog-free.  Next, unscrew the cap and remove the screen filter. Clean any tough deposits by scrubbing the filter with an old toothbrush, then replace the filter and hand tighten the cap.

TIPS FOR WATERING YOUR PLANTS DURING THE SEASONS

Below is a suggested watering schedule for your irrigation system that you can use as a guide.  Watch your plants carefully anytime you change your watering schedule because your watering schedule will vary depending on the weather, soil, maturity of plants, type of plants, and season.

 

Newly Installed Plants (First  3 Months)

Every other day for 2 to 2.5 hours

First Year – Summer (beginning April 15)

Every other day for 2.5 hours

First Year – Winter (beginning October 15)

Every other day for 1.5 hours

Second Year – Winter

Every third day for 2.5 hours

Second Year – Summer **

Every Third day for 3 – 4 hours

Established Plants – Winter  **

Once per week for 3 – 6 hours

Established Plants – Summer  **

Once per week for 3 – 6 hours

**Take caution when using these settings, in some soil conditions, plants may stress between waterings or some soil will not accept 4 hours of water at one time, multiple start times may be needed.

 

Santa Rita Landscaping can help you get your irrigation system and other landscaped features on your property ready for summer. Call us today at (520) 623-0421 for more information.