Tips for Maintaining Healthy Shrubs Year-Round
Apr 14th 2025
Welcome to the Twin Oaks Nursery & Garden Center blog! As the season changes and we prepare for another year of growth in our beautiful garden centers, it's the perfect time to talk about one of the key components that can make or break your landscape – healthy shrubs!
Shrubs add structure, color, and even fragrance to your garden. If you nurture them well, they will thrive and delight you with their beauty. Here are some essential tips to help keep your shrubs in tip-top shape all year round.
1. Proper Planting
The foundation for healthy shrubs starts with planting. Be sure to choose a location that suits the specific sunlight and soil needs of your shrubs. Dig a wide enough hole and ensure you don’t plant too deeply; the root ball should be level with the ground to allow for proper drainage and air circulation.
2. Regular Watering
Shrubs need consistent water, especially through their first few growing seasons. During dry spells, ensure they receive at least an inch of water per week. A good rule of thumb is to water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and allow time for the foliage to dry before nightfall, helping prevent mold and mildew.
3. Mulching Matters
Applying a layer of organic mulch around your shrubs helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a consistent soil temperature. It also gradually enriches the soil as it breaks down. Aim for about 2-3 inches of mulch, but be cautious not to pile it against the stems, as this can lead to rot.
4. Pruning & Deadheading
Regular maintenance through pruning keeps your shrubs healthy and promotes growth. Remove any dead or diseased branches to allow the plant to focus its energy on new growth. For flowering shrubs, deadheading spent blooms will encourage more flowers to bloom, enhancing your garden's beauty.
5. Fertilizing Wisely
While excess fertilizers can harm your shrubs, appropriate feeding helps them flourish. Consider a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season based on your shrubs' specific needs. Always follow the recommended rates to avoid fertilizer burn.
6. Pest and Disease Management
Stay vigilant for pests and diseases that could threaten your shrubs. Regularly inspect leaves and stems for any unusual marks. If you notice signs of distress, consult with the experts at Twin Oaks Nursery, where we can provide advice tailored to your plants’ needs!
7. Seasonal Care
Different seasons bring different care requirements. In spring, focus on pruning and fertilizing as your shrubs wake up. During the summer, ensure consistent watering and deadheading. Come fall, be sure to clean up any debris, and consider additional mulching for winter protection. When winter arrives, watch for heavy snow and ice that could damage branches.
8. Choose the Right Shrubs
If you're looking to add new shrubs to your collection, take some time to research the best varieties for your local climate and garden style. At Twin Oaks Nursery & Garden Center, we offer a wide selection of healthy shrubs that are sure to thrive in your landscape!
Conclusion
By following these simple but effective tips, you can maintain the beauty and health of your shrubs year-round. Whether you’re tending to existing plants or planning to add new ones from your favorite local nursery, caring for your shrubs will surely bring a lush and vibrant garden.
Visit us at Twin Oaks Nursery & Garden Center to explore our wide selection of shrubs and get personalized tips from our friendly gardening experts. Happy gardening!
Shrubs add structure, color, and even fragrance to your garden. If you nurture them well, they will thrive and delight you with their beauty. Here are some essential tips to help keep your shrubs in tip-top shape all year round.
1. Proper Planting
The foundation for healthy shrubs starts with planting. Be sure to choose a location that suits the specific sunlight and soil needs of your shrubs. Dig a wide enough hole and ensure you don’t plant too deeply; the root ball should be level with the ground to allow for proper drainage and air circulation.
2. Regular Watering
Shrubs need consistent water, especially through their first few growing seasons. During dry spells, ensure they receive at least an inch of water per week. A good rule of thumb is to water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and allow time for the foliage to dry before nightfall, helping prevent mold and mildew.
3. Mulching Matters
Applying a layer of organic mulch around your shrubs helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a consistent soil temperature. It also gradually enriches the soil as it breaks down. Aim for about 2-3 inches of mulch, but be cautious not to pile it against the stems, as this can lead to rot.
4. Pruning & Deadheading
Regular maintenance through pruning keeps your shrubs healthy and promotes growth. Remove any dead or diseased branches to allow the plant to focus its energy on new growth. For flowering shrubs, deadheading spent blooms will encourage more flowers to bloom, enhancing your garden's beauty.
5. Fertilizing Wisely
While excess fertilizers can harm your shrubs, appropriate feeding helps them flourish. Consider a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season based on your shrubs' specific needs. Always follow the recommended rates to avoid fertilizer burn.
6. Pest and Disease Management
Stay vigilant for pests and diseases that could threaten your shrubs. Regularly inspect leaves and stems for any unusual marks. If you notice signs of distress, consult with the experts at Twin Oaks Nursery, where we can provide advice tailored to your plants’ needs!
7. Seasonal Care
Different seasons bring different care requirements. In spring, focus on pruning and fertilizing as your shrubs wake up. During the summer, ensure consistent watering and deadheading. Come fall, be sure to clean up any debris, and consider additional mulching for winter protection. When winter arrives, watch for heavy snow and ice that could damage branches.
8. Choose the Right Shrubs
If you're looking to add new shrubs to your collection, take some time to research the best varieties for your local climate and garden style. At Twin Oaks Nursery & Garden Center, we offer a wide selection of healthy shrubs that are sure to thrive in your landscape!
Conclusion
By following these simple but effective tips, you can maintain the beauty and health of your shrubs year-round. Whether you’re tending to existing plants or planning to add new ones from your favorite local nursery, caring for your shrubs will surely bring a lush and vibrant garden.
Visit us at Twin Oaks Nursery & Garden Center to explore our wide selection of shrubs and get personalized tips from our friendly gardening experts. Happy gardening!