The plants you choose for your landscape change its temperature, light, wind and noise levels. Plant function can also help you control erosion and weeds. If you’re interested in finding out more about tree removal services in Melbourne head over to Travs Trees.
New plantings are particularly susceptible to damage from storms and harsh weather. Gardeners use everything from tarps and netting to buckets and pans to cover delicate new growth.
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1. Choose the Right Plants
The type of plants you choose will have a huge impact on your garden. Avoid invasive species (plants that spread quickly and cause problems in the environment). It’s also a good idea to consider crop rotation – don’t plant the same thing in the same spot year after year, as this can encourage pests and diseases.
Look for plants that have a wide range of bloom times so you can enjoy your garden throughout the season. And don’t forget to include plants that add winter interest, such as evergreens and shrubs with interesting seed heads like heuchera and heather.
When it comes to preventing pests, select varieties that are more resistant to the specific problem you’re having (e.g. if squash bugs are ravaging your crops, try ‘Butternut’ or ‘Royal Acorn’). You can also use insecticidal soap and neem oil sprays to keep unwanted insects at bay.
2. Keep Your Plants Well Watered
The way in which you water your gardens and houseplants is critical for their health. Over-watering can lead to disease and under-watering can cause plants to become overgrown. It’s also important to understand that pests can hide among the foliage of your garden plants and are often difficult to detect. Regular inspections can help you spot insects and their larvae before they spread.
The best time to water is early in the day, before the heat of the sun sets in. This allows your garden to dry off during the day and minimizes fungal diseases that thrive in moist conditions.
Encourage beneficial insects by providing them with plenty of places to live and feed in your garden. Ladybugs, lacewings, parasitic wasps, and damsel bugs all provide natural insect control by feeding on pests and pollinating your flowers and vegetables.
3. Trim Hazardous Trees and Branches
Whether rabbits are munching on your vegetables or aphids are sucking the life out of your roses, pests can wreak havoc on even the healthiest gardens. Preventive measures, such as planting naturally resistant plants and implementing repellents, can help protect your garden from insects and other nuisances.
Trimming trees is necessary for several reasons, including removing damaged or diseased branches, preventing the spread of disease through rubbing branches, and opening the canopy to let in light and air. However, improper pruning can damage the tree and create a safety hazard.
When pruning a landscape tree, it is important to prune according to its natural form. Avoid transforming the shape of the tree by eliminating inward-growing or crossing branches, branches that obstruct traffic or interfere with buildings and narrow V-shaped crotches.
4. Don’t Forget About the Soil
The health of your soil is the foundation for a healthy garden. It dictates water holding capacity, drainage and nutrient availability. To test your soil, contact a Texas A&M Cooperative Extension agent or a private lab.
Regardless of your soil type, it’s important to amend it regularly to make it more fertile and less acidic. Add organic material to your soil (like compost) and work it into the top 6 inches of the bed.
Erosion can damage your garden, especially if it’s on an incline. If erosion is a problem, consider adding a thick layer of mulch. Mulch acts as a natural insulation and protects roots from temperature extremes. It also suppresses winter weeds and provides rich organic matter for the garden.
5. Hire a Professional
A landscaper has the experience, tools, and knowledge to protect your garden during construction projects. From new additions to rebuilt garages to major property changes, they can implement a variety of protection methods to shield your plantings from damage.
For instance, they may suggest adding sand to your soil for proper drainage. They can also help with preventing frost and keeping your plants watered correctly. And finally, they can provide a professional touch to your garden with fencing or trellises that blend well with the rest of the yard and don’t block sunlight. This will deter rabbits, foxes, and other critters from sneaking into your vegetable patch and feasting on all your hard work.
Just like your investment of a garden in your home, make sure to look over your home warranty and see what you can do to save time and money. A garden and landscaping can increase the value of your home but you also want to make sure that wear and tear of things inside your home are protected as well. Sites like https://www.cinchhomeservices.com/faq-library/-/faq/fix-leaky-tub-faucet will give a lot of resourceful information regarding up keeping of your home on the inside too.