Question of the Month:

Because it’s been so cold this year, my landscape has really suffered!  What can I do to improve the appearance and when should I do it?

Landscape Lady Says:

Since we have had (at least) 2 freezes, it is safe to cut back browned and damaged foliage.  The key is to only remove what is absolutely necessary at this time.  If you can possibly wait until March (after last frost free date), it is best to wait.  Pruning stimulates new growth which is what you DO NOT want at this time.  If you are only cutting into browned material, go for it.  Cutting into green tissue or wood will cause the plant to re-sprout early.  This early, tender growth might be damaged if we have another frost.  If plants like liriope, knockout roses, lantanas and other perennials, palms and cycads (Sagos) are heavily damaged, they should not be trimmed back until late March or early April.  At that time, all browned leaves/fronds should be removed at the base of the leaf stem.  We had some extra damage this year which will require extra cleanup in the spring.  We will not be able to assess full damage until the heat of summer.  At this time, the stress of high temperatures may send the plant into a state of shock and ultimately death.  We might be able to say the same about irrigation equipment.  It is best to fully inspect all systems prior to summer months.

 Plant of the Month

Because it is February, we must offer the knockout rose as our Plant of the Month.  This is a shrub rose bush which grows about 3 feet in height and stays in a relatively tidy mound.  Knockout roses are typically hardy, disease resistant, and with proper care, can bloom even into the winter months.  Cold temperatures may damage knockout roses but won’t necessarily kill them.  Although these roses may bloom into winter months, if damaged by severe weather, they will require some serious cleanup.  Valentine’s Day is the trigger for rose pruning.  It is safe to radically prune back with no harm.

Sustainable Landscape Tip

Now is the time to fully evaluate the largest asset in the community: commercial and residential landscape-trees.  Perform a full scale audit of all trees with location, size, species and condition.  Do you have the right trees in the right locations or do you have trees which are short lived, damaged, unhealthy, etc.?  Make a plan to remove, prune, correct, or replace trees.  It is also a good idea to photograph and document all trees as well as determining their value.  Some examples of trees which should be considered for removal or replacement are:  Bald cypress, Arizona ash, hackberry, and mimosa.   These are examples of trees which have proven not to be long term solutions.