December Raleigh Landscape To-Do List:
1. Mulch trees, shrub
s, and perennials after the first hard freeze of your Raleigh Landscape.
2. Tips for Christmas Trees – To test for freshness, bend the needles back to see how pliable they are. You can also hold the tree by the trunk and firmly shake it. The more it retains its needles, the better. Once you have your tree home, cut at least 2 inches off the base and place it in warm water. Check the water level daily to ensure the water does not fall below the base of the trunk.
3. Buying Poinsettias – When you purchase a Poinsettia, buy ones with the center yellow flowers not quite open. This will help your display last longer. Place the plant in a sunny window away from air vents and drafty doors. To ensure the plant drains properly, poke a few holes in the foil wrapper and use a saucer to catch the overflow water. You want to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. NOTE: Poinsettias are poisonous to your children and four-legged friends.
4. Watering in Winter – Evergreens and other plants still need water during dry spells, even in the winter. Watering your Raleigh landscape well before hard freezes increases your plant’s chances of survival. The frequency and amount of water required will be determined by current weather conditions. Note that on clear, cold and windy days, plants will need to be watered thoroughly as they will dry out quickly (particularly evergreens such as hollies and rhododendrons). Probe the soil around the base of the plants. If the top 2 inches has dried out, it is time to water.
DesignScapes can help you maintain your Raleigh landscape throughout the winter. Give us a call at 919-844-3441 or use our contact form to set up your appointment today!
