Faster Results with Trees and Shrubs

Melinda’s Garden Moments is heard Mon.-Fri. at 7:45 and 10:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. on WHAV.

Melinda’s Garden Moments is heard Mon.-Fri. at 7:45 and 10:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. on WHAV.

It’s hard to imagine and even harder to wait for that stick of a tree or small potted shrub to grow into a much larger and beautiful addition to the landscape. But we can help speed up the process.

Fast growing species are an option, but unfortunately most tend to be weak wooded and short lived. Proper pruning starting at an early age can help establish a strong structure that is more resistant to storm damage.

Speed up the growth of slower growing trees and shrubs with proper care. Amend the whole planting bed, not just the planting hole, with organic matter when developing shrub beds and plant borders.

Keep the area around individual plants and throughout the planting beds free of grass and weeds that compete with the trees and shrubs for water and nutrients.

Mulch the soil around the plants and water thoroughly as needed.

A bit more information: Use a low nitrogen slow release fertilizer, like Milorganite, to promote drought tolerant growth without impeding flowering. Let the plant, soil and weather conditions, and your landscape goals act as your guide to how frequently you need to fertilize.

For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com.