Landscaping and Gardening

1. Landscaping and Gardening
PLANTING AND LOCATION the graph paper Site Inventory
found inside the
A beautiful landscape is a vital part of your
front and back cover
home and community. A well-planned
of this guide. If you
landscape can save you money by reducing
don’t have a long
energy consumption. It also improves the
tape measure, a 25
quality of your local stream or pond and
foot or 50 foot long
becomes a delightful place to spend your time.
garden hose or
overgrown
PLANNING AHEAD measured piece of shrub street
Before you start to dig, it is wise to plan. The string will work. bare
spot sidewalk
law requires you to call MISS Utility before This sketch is useful
starting major excavations. Look around your for making an house
porch
property and assess its physical conditions — inventory of any
what is shaded, what is rocky, where is it trouble spots you
windy, where is the grass soggy day after day. might have or places
driveway
If the project is larger than you can handle, hire you want to
bare
a gardener, landscape designer, or landscape preserve. Keep the spot
architect, or work with the staff from a local sketch and add garage
nursery to develop a plan. changes you make
over time. It can
A simple sketch of your property showing the existing shade unpruned
serve as a handy tree low spot ugly hedge
location of buildings, driveways, sidewalks, (collects tree
companion to your water)
streets, terraces or decks, septic fields, and weeds and
record sheet, found overgrown
trees, shrubs, gardens, and lawns is a good shrubs
on page 77 of this
starting point.
book.
You can make your own custom plan with
Step One Start
these three easy steps. Before starting, collect
with your builder’s
a ruler, a tape measure, and several copies of NORTH
plan or a copy of
Landscaping and Gardening 19

2. your plat plan. These plans diagram the shape the builder’s plan may have changed during WHAT DO YOU WANT AND HOW
of your lot, its dimensions, where your house, construction. If you have such plans, double DOES IT FIT?
sidewalk, driveway, and garage are located, and check their measurements. Use the guide Make a wish list of items you would like to
any easements you will need to avoid. included below in “Measuring Your Yard” to include in your design. Perhaps you have
figure out what dimensions you will need. always wanted a pond. Do you have enough
Step Two Measure your lot and home. Use
space? What is the drainage pattern? Are your
a long tape measure, your garden hose, or Step Three Draw your home, garage,
soils appropriate? Or perhaps you want to
string. The dimensions or locations shown on driveway, sidewalk, pool, patio, and other
grow fruits and vegetables. Where is a sunny
features on the graph
Measuring Your Yard spot?
paper you copied
from this book. You It is okay to make changes to an existing
will have to convert landscape. Perhaps that tiny holly tree you
your measurements planted ten years ago at the corner of your
to make a scaled house is now threatening to obscure your front
t
ee Starting point
m
str for all
drawing. Use an door. Or those lovely shrubs that were so
fro measurements
ce ordinary ruler or a appealing when they were 3 feet tall now cover
tan use r ub (look for an iron
dis ho sh pipe on your
to plat and in the
special scaled ruler your kitchen window and block the morning
ground). known as an sun. One of the delights of growing things is
gth
lot lk
wa
len us
e
lot engineer’s scale. the element of surprise every living thing
wid
o ho
et
ho
th
lin The unit of presents. But some surprises wear better than
lot
us
an
e
m us
e
fro street
c e ho ds measurement for others. Be bold and take charge. The only
tan ide drive
dis wa wa your diagram is an caution is if you are new to an established
lk
inch. As long as you landscape, consider waiting a year before
y
are consistent, you making changes. During that year, study the
can equate any land and its plants. Learn what blooms when,
ga
number of feet with where sun travels through the day and the
rag
bare
sp
spot
e
one inch. seasons, and what remains shady and cool or
ec
garage
ial
alk cold year round. After this year of observation,
ew
tre
sid If you have a small
e
you can make educated decisions about the
ra ge lot, equate 10 feet
ga y appropriate changes to make.
with every inch on
sh
wa
ve
rub
tre
e dr i
your ruler. On a Now that you have made your list, studied your
s
large lot, you might land, and become more eager to improve your
need to equate 30 site, where do you start? There are many
feet with every inch things to consider when choosing a site for the
on your ruler. construction of something on your wish list.
Walk around your piece of land and note
NORTH
answers to the following questions.
20 You and Your Land

3. • Do you have wet spots or dry areas? What this book (see pages 57-68) for recommended for a reason is a cost-effective use of your time,
are the soils like? species for the region. labor, and money. Specific plant genus and
• Are there any spots protected from wind or species appropriate for the following
Plants are known by both a botanical name and
hot summer sun? Do you have frost applications are listed in the plant tables.
a common name. The botanical name is in
pockets? What are the microclimatic
Latin and most often consists of two words: the Planting a Screen or Windbreak A
conditions?
genus and the species, sometimes followed by screen or windbreak planting provides privacy
• Does your land tilt? Are your slopes
a variety. Frequently, the same plant has and protection for your yard, porch, or garden.
steep?
several common
• What direction does your land face? Does it
names. If you don’t Site Plan
mostly receive hot sun in the late afternoon?
use the botanical
• Where do people walk?
name when selecting Tree planted
• Where do you have good views? Where are for shade and Small trees
and purchasing sculptural or shrubs
the views you don’t enjoy as much? quality in the used to
plants, you may be front yard. define street
• Do you have utilities on your land? edge.
surprised later when The patio or deck
• Where does the rain go when it falls on your provides transition
it blooms. For between the house
land? Do you have any erosion problems? (inside rooms) and
example, you might outside.
Matching your wish list with the specific call a nursery and A groundcover sidewalk
edge to lawn
conditions of your land will get you started. ask for a Burning provides contrast
in texture. street
Bush. Instead of a
CHOOSING PLANTS
shrub commonly
“Choose the right plant for the right place” are
known as Burning porch flowers
words to guide your plant selection process.
Bush (Euonymus
Factors that will influence this decision include driveway
alatus), you might
your climatic zone (Virginia falls in Zones 5, 6,
get there and see a patio
7, or 8 — see drawing on page 3); specific site
perennial known as garage
conditions and the plant’s hardiness; the
Burning Bush
potential size and growth rate of a particular
(Dictamnus albus).
species; and a plant’s shape, form, and texture. Planting in clumps
To help you avoid Shade for vegetables or massings
A tree that is petite and dainty at planting time summer provides continuity.
this problem, the cooling. The use of too
may grow into a 100-foot towering specimen. many different kinds
plant tables give of trees and shrubs
A fast-growing tree may be weak wooded and Stepping stones can make a space
both a common and can be used in feel disjointed and
short-lived. As always, watch out for mail- Evergreens and a fence
transition areas appear smaller.
a botanical name. or wall combination can
between front
order plants that seem too good to be true; they be used to screen
yard and back
neighbors, provide
yard.
probably are. Your best bet is to find a local PLANTING FOR privacy, and establish
walls of an outdoor
nursery with a knowledgeable staff and use A REASON room. If ground is wet,
use plants adapted to
reputable mail-order sources for more unusual Plantings serve wet conditions.
NORTH
species. Refer to the plant tables in the back of many uses. Planting
Landscaping and Gardening 21

4. Plantings reduce your home’s energy north- and east-facing slope will receive are rarely needed. As few as three trees around
consumption by providing shade, reflecting considerably less sunlight and be much cooler your home can cut air conditioning bills in
solar rays, and providing barriers to snow, rain, than a south- and west-facing slope which will half.
and wind. Selecting the appropriate plant is be hot and dry.
Planting for Pedestrian Traffic Control
critical to the long-term success of your screen
Planting for Erosion Control Areas that The right plant can provide a barrier to
or windbreak. The wrong plant may
have been disturbed need protection with fast- unwanted foot traffic. Plants with thorns,
overwhelm the site and be expensive to
growing grasses, groundcovers, or mulch. dense and twiggy shrubbery, and mounded
remove. Remember to think of your neighbors
groundcovers can guide pedestrians to their
and the effects of your planting on their Planting for Wildlife Conservation actions
destinations.
properties. for wildlife habitat improvement can be
incorporated in any planting. These plantings Cover Crops A cover crop may be required
Planting in a Wet Spot Sometimes it is
may reduce the need for fertilizers and for larger areas or in a winter garden. These
better to accept your site’s drainage conditions
pesticides and enhance water and energy crops, referred to as green manure, can add
than to try to change them. If you have a soggy
savings. Maintenance requirements can be organic matter to the soil, improving fertility if
spot, choose plants that thrive with wet feet.
reduced if you allow the plants’ natural form to left in place for six months to a year. Legumes
You may even want to redirect your excess
be exhibited. Group the plantings as they are are especially efficient because they “fix”
storm runoff to this low spot, and allow the
found in the wild: an understory of shrubs and nitrogen from the air into the soil. After the
water to slowly seep into the ground.
small trees, a forest floor covered with summer garden crops have been harvested and
Planting on Slopes Hillsides or sloped perennials and groundcovers, all beneath a stalks and vines removed, lightly till the garden
areas provide different conditions that may forest canopy of tall trees. Plant a hedgerow of to prepare a seed bed, incorporating lime and
affect plant selection and growth. Soils on mixed species for a screen or in an area that fertilizer if necessary. Cover crops such as rye
hillsides can be excessively well-drained, gets little use. Plants adapted to the local grass are usually planted in the fall to protect
providing little moisture to plants. Often, climatic and soil conditions are likely to be soil from wind and water erosion. Broadcast
hardy erosion-control shrubs are needed. A more resistant to disease. Chemical controls the cover crop seed, rake lightly to cover it, and
then irrigate. Where you have fall crops
Wildlife Habitat growing, sow cover crop seeds between rows a
mixed woodland month or less before the expected harvest, but
not later than November 1. A hardy species
that survives the winter will resume growth as
riparian vegetation
the weather begins to warm. Do not let it go to
seed. Cover crops and green manure are
usually turned under in the spring before
planting. If the crop is tall or thick, mow it
old field
meadow prior to tilling, especially legumes that may
clog machinery. Leave the clippings on your
stream garden, so they also may be turned under to
help condition your soil. For large gardens, a
22 You and Your Land

5. rototiller is the most practical way to rosemary in December? Or do you cherish the Avoid excessive irrigation following the
rare camellia in February? With a bit of
incorporate any type of cover crop. The crop application of chemicals or fertilizers. Runoff
should be turned under two to three weeks ingenuity, you can extend your area’s climatic could carry these pollutants into nearby
before planting new seed. zone range. Create a windbreak by planting on streams and drainageways.
the leeward side of a building or wall,
Planting to Extend the Microclimate Do Time of Day Water deeply in the early
sheltering more fragile and delicate plants from
you yearn for a home-grown fig? Fresh morning hours. The air is relatively cool and
cold winter winds. Plant in
Windbreak and Energy Conservation Plantings front of a south-facing wall Measuring Irrigation Applications
or slope where the spring
Plan and fall sun warms the soil Use a simple experiment to determine
and keeps frosts from how fast and how deep water soaks into
damaging sensitive plants. your soil.
• Apply a known amount of water with
FOR MORE your water system when the soil is
INFORMATION relatively dry.
• Virginia Cooperative
• Wait for the water to soak in fully: one
Extension
hour for sandy soils, two to four hours
Use light-colored • Virginia Native Plant
roof materials
for loam, and four to six hours for
that help reflect Large, deciduous Society
sunlight. shade trees shade clayey soils.
house from • Virginia Department of
NORTH summer sun. • Next, dig several small holes, measure
Forestry
the depth of the moist soil, and average
Keep ground • National Wildlife
plane thinned the depths. To be less destructive, use
to allow air to Federation, Backyard
circulate a screwdriver, which will easily
around Habitat Program
house. penetrate the wetted soil and meet
resistance in the dry soil below.
Summer Section
Use overhangs
for shade. IRRIGATION With this new knowledge, you can figure
Water your lawn and out how much water to apply. (Otherwise
plantings only when know as the application rate.)
Set buildings needed. Use drip irrigation
into hillside. • Place several rain gauges at random in
cold
north whenever possible around the irrigated area for a determined
wind
Deciduous
plantings and match the length of time (usually one hour).
trees allow
sun to
irrigation level to the • Average the water levels in the gauges
penetrate
and warm
specific plant’s needs. and divide it by the length of time to
house. Newly transplanted plants determine your sprinkler rate in inches
Use evergreens and/or out
buildings to buffer cold north winds. will require more water per hour.
Winter Section than established plants with • Water wisely!
a mature root system.
Landscaping and Gardening 23

6. moist, reducing water loss to evaporation. Late precisely calibrated, and reduces weeds by years of precious tree-growing time may be
evening watering may encourage mildew and watering only desirable plants. Problems can lost before the mistake is realized.
disease on plants. occur if rodents damage the tubing or the
PLANTING
tubing becomes clogged. The system is not
Length of Time Three factors affect the Transplant deciduous trees and shrubs in the
easily portable.
length of time required for adequate irrigation: dormant season while there are no leaves on
the depth of watering, the application rate, and Hand watering requires no special equipment the plant. Early spring, before new growth
the amount of water needed. and applies water to targeted areas. Often, begins, is the most favorable time. Evergreens
though, too much water is applied too quickly, can be planted any time the ground is not
The amount of water needed varies with your
which causes runoff and results in frozen, but the optimum time is September or
soil type. To estimate the amount of water
underwatering. Plants can be harmed if they October. March or April is the next best
needed, figure the depth of watering and
do not receive adequate amounts of water planting time. For best results, transplant
calculate how much water is necessary to wet
slowly. Instead of roots growing deeply, they younger trees.
the soil to the desired depth. Divide the
reach toward the surface, creating a demand for
amount of water required in inches by the Plants are packed for sale in three ways.
frequent watering cycles. A 5-gallon bucket
application rate of your sprinkler to determine • Balled and burlapped (B&B)
with small holes in the bottom placed next to
the number of hours your system must operate. • Container grown
the plant will allow water to slowly drain into
For example, if your system applies .5 in./hr. • Bare root
the soil, encouraging deep root growth. A
and you need to apply 1 inch of water, 1 inch
garden hose turned on very low and left for Balled and burlapped and container grown
divided by .5 in./hr. equals 2 hours. If runoff
several hours is an easy way to slowly soak a plants can be transplanted any time of the year,
occurs, turn the system off for an hour or two,
single planting. although the hottest, driest days of summer
or even a day if necessary, to let the water soak
should be avoided. Bare root plants generally
in. Then apply the rest of the water. Irrigating with Well Water If you use well
are less expensive and should be planted during
water, be careful to not over-water and cause
Types of Irrigation Sprinklers are very the dormant season. If you are unable to plant
your well to go dry. Install a low-pressure
common and provide even coverage over large immediately after obtaining plants, prevent the
switch that will automatically shut down the
areas. However, they can be difficult to use on roots from drying out by watering them and
well if too much water is being consumed.
slopes and often waste water because of the storing them out of direct sunlight in a cool
large amount of evaporation that occurs. place. Protect bare-root plants by temporarily
Sprinklers are hard to control and may cause TREES AND SHRUBS planting (heeling) them in the soil.
excessive runoff. Operating sprinklers late in Trees are the most permanent plants we grow. Trees and shrubs need a wide and shallow
the day may increase plant diseases because Many will live and enhance the landscape for planting hole. For a tree, dig a hole three times
the leaves don’t dry quickly without sunlight. 100 or more years if they are given a chance. wider than the diameter of the roots or root ball
Another type of irrigation places water directly Because of the relative permanency and and no deeper than the roots or root ball. Dig
at the plant’s roots, reducing losses to importance of trees, take care to select the best a hole twice as wide as the root diameter for a
evaporation. This type includes soaker hoses, tree species for each situation. The wrong tree, shrub and no deeper than the root ball.
trickle systems, and drip irrigation. It can be or one planted in the wrong spot, can actually NEVER plant it deeper than it was originally.
used in irregularly shaped areas, can be detract from the overall landscape. Five to ten Do not dig, loosen, or amend the soil under the
24 You and Your Land

7. root ball. In poorly-drained, heavy soils, select tends to accumulate, select from the limited Balled and Burlapped Shrub Planting
a plant that will readily adapt to the site. Set number of plants that tolerate these conditions,
the root ball 1 to 2 inches higher than the or improve the site with underground drainage,
surrounding soil. Once settling has occurred, and regrade to alter the surface runoff.
Use 2-3 in. of
the plant will remain above the original soil mulch. Keep
Once the planting hole is dug, remove the pot away from
level. Mound the soil from the existing grade trunk.
from container grown plants. Insert a sharp
up to the soil level of the tree or shrub where it
knife about 1/3 of the way into the root ball,
was originally growing. In areas where water Fold back
make three vertical slits on the sides of the soil, burlap.
and make an “x” on the Remove wire
or string
Tree Planting
bottom. This will mesh.
Dig 2 times wider than the root ball.
encourage new root growth
outward into the new soil.
If the cuts are not made, the
Container Grown Shrub Planting
roots will continue growing
in a circle around the plant, Remove
container.
eventually girdling and Cut roots as
shown to
killing it. Remove any keep them
from
synthetic material, twine, growing in a
circle.
tags, or wire, and roll back
any cotton burlap on balled Add 2-3 in. of
and burlapped root balls. mulch. Keep
away from
Do not knock the soil off trunk.
the root ball. Bare root
Dig 2 times wider than the root ball.
Do not wrap or stake
trees should have the roots
tree. spread out in the hole.
Use 2-3 in. of mulch.
Keep away from
Firmly pack the soil around Bare Root Shrub Planting
trunk. the roots or root ball.
Add water to settle soil.
Heavily water when the Plant late
Create a well around hole is 3/4 full of soil to fall or early
root ball to contain water spring.
and mulch. eliminate all air pockets
and to provide for better Use 2-3 in. of
mulch. Keep
Score edges of hole. away from
root-soil contact. Fill the trunk.
Remove wire basket
and cut away twine. hole, building a ring of soil
2 to 3 inches high around
Leave soil pedestal.
the outside edge of the hole
Dig 3 times wider than root ball. to hold moisture. Fill Dig 2 times wider than the root spread.
Landscaping and Gardening 25

8. again. Most homeowners over-water newly and boxwood. If this is your model and you • Keeping them healthy — pruning is vital for
planted materials. Wait until the top inch of must shear, make the bottom of your hedge removing dead, dying, or diseased wood.
soil has dried before watering again. Remove wider than the top. This will allow the entire Any dying branch or stub can be an entry
broken or crossing branches after planting, but surface of the hedge to get sun and continue to point or buildup chamber for insects or
wait one or two years for additional pruning. grow. In all other cases, a natural shape is best diseases, which can readily spread to other
for plants. Thinning a shrub involves the parts of the plant.
PRUNING
removal of entire branches at their junction • Improving flowers and fruit — pruning
Pruning is essential for attractive, healthy trees
with another branch or the trunk. This opens reduces the amount of old wood in trees and
and shrubs and improves the quality of flowers,
the plant to sunlight and air, encouraging shrubs and thus diverts energy into the
fruit, and foliage. The best way to avoid
growth from the center of the shrub, while production of larger, though possibly fewer,
difficult pruning jobs is to plan ahead; select
reducing the shrub’s overall size. Most plants flowers and/or fruit. Properly timed pruning
plants that will fit available space after the
respond best to selective pruning. This is will improve the quality of fruit, foliage, and
plants have matured to their maximum size.
healthier for the plant and gives a more natural stems.
What Should Your Plant Look Like? appearance.
When Should You Prune? Most pruning
The landscape of Virginia’s formal gardens is
Why Prune a Plant? There are three is done in late winter or early spring to give the
filled with sheared hedges of hemlock, privet,
reasons to prune the plants on your land. maximum time for the wounds to heal.
Shrub Pruning • Training — some pruning may be necessary However, there are many exceptions. Spring
Before at the time of planting to shape your tree or blooming shrubs should be pruned after
shrub. Remove broken and crossed flowering, but those that bloom in the summer
Remove
awkward branches, but avoid excessive pruning at or fall should be pruned in winter. Use renewal
horizontal
branches. transplanting as it tends to retard plant pruning on multiple-stemmed plants like
Prune leggy growth and inhibit survival. forsythia. Young growth produces more
leader
shoots.
Hedge Pruning Pruning Don’ts!
Remove
inside
shoots. Practices to avoid:
• Stubbing the cut. Instead,
prune just above a healthy
Cut suckers.
bud, with the bud pointing
Shear or hand
prune hedge by in the direction you want
making the shape the plant to grow.
After wider at the base • Tree topping — cutting all
and tapering to the
top of the plant. the branches close to the
For shrubs trunk. If the tree survives,
like: Right Wrong
many suckers will replace
Azaleas what you removed.
Forsythia
Photinia For hedges like: • Cutting flush to the trunk.
Junipers Boxwood Leave the branch collar.
Privet
Hemlock • Pruning sealers on cuts.
Research shows that the
tree’s own sealer in its
branch collar is more
effective against decay.
26 You and Your Land

9. vigorous flowers, so each spring after summer. Remove dead or diseased wood at organic mulch or compost around plantings is
flowering, remove 1/3 of the oldest and tallest any time necessary. an excellent source of nonchemical fertilizer.
stems near ground level to encourage A soil test for fertility and pH level will
WHAT TOOLS SHOULD YOU USE
development of new stems. Some shrubs such determine the appropriate type and application
FOR PRUNING?
as roses are reduced in size by pruning rate for fertilizing.
Cut branches the size of your thumb or smaller
individual branches. Trees such as elm, maple,
with a hand pruner. Slant the cut to promote Fertilizers are salts, much like table salt, except
birch, dogwood, and walnut bleed freely if
healing and prevent the collection of water on that they contain various plant nutrients.
pruned in late winter, so prune them in early
the cut. Remove branches Nitrogen is important for leaf and stem growth
Tree Pruning over 1 inch in diameter and provides the rich, green color in a plant.
with a pruning saw or Phosphorus provides for root and flower
lopper. Use the three-cut growth. Too much phosphorus will
method to prevent the bark contaminate the local streams and
from tearing. Any shearing drainageways; it has been banned from laundry
may be done with hedge detergents for this reason. Potassium helps
Prune dual leader shears. Keep your tools build plant tissue and aids the production of
branches.
sharp to make your work chlorophyll.
easier and to make smooth,
Fertilizing Trees Trees that are not thriving
even cuts.
because of poor soils may respond to moderate
FERTILIZING applications of fertilizer after the first hard
Are you wasting money on frost in the fall. Measure the diameter of the
fertilizer? Gardeners tree’s trunk 4 feet above the ground. For each
Prune branches
growing towards frequently injure their
trunk.
plants with too much or too What Is Fertilizer?
Remove V-shaped many applications of
crotches.
Prune broken fertilizer. Misapplied All fertilizers you purchase at the store
branches.
fertilizer will wash into are labeled with three numbers such as
streams and drainageways 10-10-10. These three numbers give the
and encourage unwanted percentage by weight of
plant and algae growth in
the water. New plants • nitrogen (N)
Use the three-cut should not be fertilized for • phosphorus (P)
method to prevent
the bark from 6 to 12 months. Trees in • potassium (K)
tearing.
the lawn area may never
need fertilizing if a turf The nutrients are listed in the order they
Prune suckers.
fertilizer program is appear: N-P-K.
followed. A decomposed
Landscaping and Gardening 27

10. inch of diameter, apply 2 pounds of a 5-10-5 equal parts of dry soil or sand, and distribute in shrub and send it into nearby streams or
formula. Spread the fertilizer over the feeder each hole. Water the area to encourage the drainageways, wasting your money and time
roots, located in a band around the tree, starting fertilizer to move out into the soil from the and harming the watershed.
about 6 to 8 feet from the trunk and extending holes. Fill the top portion of each hole with
If you apply fertilizer in the late summer and
out 10 feet beyond the ends of the branches. rich garden loam. The treatment should not
early fall before the frost, your plants are likely
Apply water liberally to wash the fertilizer into have to be repeated for several years.
to have a growth spurt. This will encourage
the ground, using care that the fertilizer does
Fertilizing Shrubs Most shrubs do not vigorous tender growth late in the season,
not wash away.
require fertilizer to thrive. Don’t fertilize which may be killed by cold weather in early
Trees with trunk diameters greater than 3 shrubs that are making satisfactory growth. A winter. A dry summer followed by a rainy
inches, measured 4 feet above the ground, may soil test will indicate when you should add autumn may also promote late growth that is
benefit from fertilizer placed in holes around nutrients and in what amounts. However, if tender to cold. Such conditions may also cause
the tree. Make the holes with a punch bar soil test information is not available and your flowers to open in the fall on shrubs that
when the soil is moist after a period of rain or plant’s appearance warrants — its leaves are typically bloom in the spring.
sprinkler irrigation. For each inch of trunk off-green or yellowish and its twigs are short
MULCHING
diameter, mix 3 pounds of 5-10-5 formula with and thin — apply about one cup of a 5-10-5
Mulching reduces weeds, prevents erosion,
fertilizer to medium-sized
Fertilizing Trees moderates the soil temperature, and helps
shrubs (4 to 8 feet tall) in
maintain soil moisture. Many materials are
Make the fall after the first hard
concentric suitable for mulch. Organic materials such as
circles around frost. Small shrubs (under
the tree for shredded bark, peat moss, leaves, pine straw,
hole spacing. 3 feet tall) need about half
Start circles and wood chips are commonly used. There are
6-8 ft. from this much, and shrubs
trunk and some artificial materials available.
continue at 2 ft. larger then 8 feet require
intervals until
10 ft. beyond twice as much. Uniformly When mulching, leave 4 inches clear around
outer branches.
apply the fertilizer over the the trunk of larger plants, and maintain no
Punch 8 in. root zone, starting about 6 more than 2 to 3 inches of mulch around your
deep holes into
moist soil. inches from the base of the
Space holes 24 Mulching
in. apart along shrub and extending out
the circles.
about a foot beyond the
Fill holes with
fertilizer/sand
ends of the branches. Soak
mix and cover
with topsoil.
the fertilizer into the
Water after
treatment.
ground with a gentle spray Leave ground bare 4 in.
between trunk and edge of
of water to avoid burning mulch bed.
the plant’s roots with the
fertilizer salts. Too much mulch
2-3 in.
water too fast will wash the deep
tree trunk
fertilizer far from your
28 You and Your Land

11. trees and shrubs. Excessive mulching provides • Physical damage to trunk and branches FOR MORE INFORMATION
an excellent home for mice that will feed on • Change in groundwater table • Virginia Cooperative Extension
and kill your plants during the winter. Feeder • Virginia Department of Forestry
The spring before construction begins, fertilize
roots will tend to grow in the mulch and will be
and prune. Prior to beginning construction,
more susceptible to drought and winter GROUNDCOVERS,
erect a fence (snow fencing, plastic netting, or
freezing.
plywood sheets with 2 x 4s) around the areas to PERENNIALS, VINES, &
PROTECTING TREES AND SHRUBS be protected. Be sure to include the outer ORNAMENTAL GRASSES
Construction Sites Protect your landscape edge of the tree canopy — the drip line. To
These plants add color and interest to your
from damage during construction. avoid soil compaction, don’t allow equipment
property and may reduce maintenance once
or materials to be stored within the fenced area.
The following actions may result in injury to established. They can carpet your land,
Once soil compaction occurs, there is little you
trees and shrubs. highlight and feature its assets, and screen its
can do to remedy this problem.
• Addition of soil to, or the removal of soil unattractive spots. Hundreds of varieties with
from, the tree’s root zone Animals and Equipment To protect varying colors, textures, and growth habits are
• Storage of fill under your trees against damage caused by animals or available.
• Compaction of soil equipment, install loose-fitting guards to
Groundcovers are useful to reduce the area that
protect tree trunks. Lawn
Mulches requires mowing and weeding and to protect
mowers and weedeaters
MATERIALS NOTES slopes from erosion. For the best effect,
may cut your tree’s trunk.
Compost May contain weed seeds, pest larvae, or eggs. groundcovers should be perennial, low
These guards should allow
Wood Shavings Can cause nitrogen deficiencies if not well maintenance, long lasting, attractive, and
for adequate air
and Sawdust decomposed. Low in plant nutrients, compacts, and interesting year-round. Avoid invasive plants;
circulation. Do not wrap
decomposes slowly. May encourage termites. what is fast and delightful the first year will be
Keep away from buildings. trees, unless there is a
a real maintenance nightmare the fifth year.
Hay, Straw, and Not as attractive as other mulches. Can provide serious threat of
Grass Clippings nutrients if used repeatedly. Source of weed seeds. sunscalding. Thin-barked Seasonal Care
Leaves Decompose rapidly. Excellent source of organic trees planted in spring or
(whole or matter and high in nutrients. Oak leaves beneficial summer into hot or paved
shredded) to azaleas, camellias, and rhododendrons.
Spring Care Dark mulch and soil will
areas may benefit from absorb the spring sun warming the
Peat Moss Easily available and clean. Excellent for improving
soil structure. Can be costly if covering a large wrapping if a white wrap is ground. It is okay to remove extra leaves,
area. used. If wraps must be straw or other materials used for winter
Shredded Very attractive. Often available at low cost. May used, remove them within plant protection. Be sure to remove
Hardwood Bark encourage termites. Keep away from buildings. one year. Wrapping trunks weeds.
Gravel and Do not add organic matter to soil. Long lasting and increases the risk of insect,
Stone durable in high-traffic areas. Attractive when used in Fall Care Fall plantings can be
disease, and water damage.
rock gardens. protected by adding a mulch that traps
Pine Needles Durable mulch. Create acidic conditions. Use
heat and will delay the freezing of the soil.
around azaleas and rhododendrons. Do not absorb
water.
Landscaping and Gardening 29

12. Perennials are plants that return year after year. grasses and wildflower seeds. Although after planting. Weeds will squeeze out new
The foliage frequently dies back every fall and advertised as easy and fast, a lush meadow will plants before they have a chance to grow.
reappears in the spring. Planted in masses, take some effort to establish.
Mulching A 2 to 3 inch-deep mulch around
they provide color and interest to a border or a
PLANTING new plantings is a good defense against weeds.
garden. They require more maintenance than
Spring planting is recommended for most Mulches not completely decomposed, such as
annuals to keep them thriving year-round.
groundcovers and other herbaceous plants. If wood shavings, will draw nitrogen from the
They need to be weeded and mulched and
planted in the summer, water frequently. soil. To avoid damaging the plant, add more
should be divided every two to three years.
nitrogen to the plantings.
Selecting Plants Many of these plants
Annuals are plants that flower and live for one
require a mixture of direct sunlight and shade. Fertilizing Unless otherwise recommended
season. They require little care and can be
Knowing the amount of sunlight and shade by soil test results, work a slow release 5-10-10
grown from seed or purchased as plants. View
available is essential before you plant. Be sure or 10-10-10 fertilizer into the soil before
them as a collection of paint pots to be used to
to identify the mature size, growth habit, and planting. Be sure to follow application rates on
color your garden or deck. And if you don’t
water requirements before planting a large the packaging. Over-fertilizing will encourage
like the result, you can start fresh next year.
number of plants. (These features are often weeds, pollute runoff, and burn the roots of
Vines are annuals, perennials, or groundcovers listed on the plant’s tag at the nursery.) your new plants.
that climb. They are valued as screens, as
Spacing Each plant will grow at a different FOR MORE INFORMATION
canopies on trellises, and as features in a
rate, some slower and others faster. The list on • Virginia Cooperative Extension, Master
garden.
this page estimates the number of plants Gardener Program
Ornamental grasses have become popular needed to cover an area with a specific spacing.
landscape plants. Requiring low maintenance LAWNS
Preparation Competition is keen for soil
and ranging in size from a small pincushion to
nutrients and water. Soils must be well-drained Producing quality lawns in Virginia can be a
tall and columnar, they provide a sturdy and
yet retain enough water and nutrients to challenge, yet almost everyone tries. Many
steady ornamental planting. Meadow plantings
provide for healthy growth. Add organic alternatives to a lawn are available today — a
are another popular landscaping technique.
matter such as peat, compost, or manure as 1/3 natural meadow, a butterfly garden, a grove of
These are a mixture of prairie and meadow
of the total soil mix. To achieve this, add 2 trees with an understory of rhododendrons, a
Spacing and Coverage for Bedding Plants inches of organic matter and till to a depth of 6 flowering groundcover, or a stone terrace.
SPACING 100 PLANTS inches. If tilling is not possible because of the However, sometimes only a lawn will do — for
4 in. 11 sq. ft. slope or size of the area, provide a pocket of baseball games, for croquet, for a putting
6 in. 25 sq. ft. well-mixed soil around each plant to give it a green, or for a baby crawling. So if you must
8 in. 44 sq. ft. strong start. plant and nurture a lawn, here is some advice.
10 in. 70 sq. ft.
12 in. 100 sq. ft.
MAINTAINING Geographically, Virginia is located in what is
15 in. 156 sq. ft. The most important aspect of establishing and known as the transition zone for turfgrasses.
18 in. 225 sq. ft. maintaining groundcovers and other This means the climate can be hostile to both
24 in. 400 sq. ft. herbaceous plants is to control weeds right cool-season grasses (Kentucky bluegrass, turf-
30 You and Your Land

13. type tall fescue) and warm-season grasses Lime Turfgrasses do not perform well in done under these conditions, keep the turf
(bermudagrass, zoysiagrass). However, with acidic soil, and most soils in Virginia are acidic moist and use water to cool the soil.
proper cultural practices and some work, a and below pH 6.2, the ideal pH for lawns. The Thoroughly water the sod as it is laid.
healthy lawn can be established and presence of moss is an indication of an acidic
SELECTING THE BEST METHOD
maintained. soil. The amount of lime recommended to
Seed vs. Sod A quality lawn containing the
raise the soil pH to 6.2 will be based on your
Grass may be established from seed, sprigs, recommended mixtures and species can be
soil test. The lime should be tilled into the soil
plugs, or sod. The method depends on the established with either seed or sod. Successful,
to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. If a soil test
grass species desired, the environmental weed-free establishment is more difficult with
indicates low available magnesium levels, use
conditions, time constraints, and financial seed than with sod. Also, because of the time
dolomitic limestone.
considerations. Be sure to use only certified required for germination and root growth of
seed and sod so you end up with what you Fertilizer When applying the fertilizer seed, the area is exposed to erosion. Sodding
intended. The same requirements for soil recommended in the soil test, till in 2/3 of the practically eliminates such problems, an
preparation apply for all methods. amount to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. The especially important factor on steep slopes.
remaining 1/3 should be applied to the surface
ESTABLISHING YOUR NEW LAWN Seeding and Mulching Start by preparing
just prior to seeding, then lightly raked into the
Soil Test Always begin with a soil test. This a smooth, firm seedbed. Rake the seedbed to
soil.
will determine which nutrients are available in create shallow, uniform depressions (rows)
the soil and will provide liming and Weed Control Any perennial broadleaf or about 1/4 inch deep and 1 to 2 inches apart.
fertilization recommendations. grassy weeds should be eliminated prior to Divide your seed in half; sow the first half of
planting by properly applying a herbicide. the seed in one direction (north/south); sow the
Soil Preparation If you are grading a new
Dispose of remaining herbicides properly and remaining seed in the opposite direction (east/
lawn area, save the topsoil by moving it and
clean up thoroughly. west). Cover the seed by raking lightly. Mulch
stockpiling it for later use. The ground should
slope away from buildings. Before replacing When Should You Plant? You’ll have the Plugging and Sprigging
the topsoil and planting, let the area settle most success with grass seeding if you do it at
during two or three heavy rains. Fill low spots certain times of the year when the temperature, Use for a warm-season lawn in the
in the yard where water collects with additional moisture, and day length are most favorable for eastern portion of the watershed.
soil. Remove debris, large rocks, and rotting establishing cool-season or warm-season Zoysiagrass and bermudagrass can be
wood from the site. grasses. Cool-season turfgrasses are best established using either plugs or sprigs.
seeded in late summer; early spring seedings Fit the plugs tightly into precut holes on 6
Once the ground has settled, spread your
are prone to damage from crabgrass invasions to 12 inch centers and tamp into place.
stockpiled topsoil and any additional organic
and summer drought. Warm-season turfgrasses Broadcast and lightly disk or press sprigs
matter evenly over the entire lawn area 6 to 8
are best established from May to July. into shallow rows on 6 to 12 inch centers
inches deep. If you don’t have enough topsoil,
mix what is available with organic material Sod can be installed during most of the year, and cover with soil. Sprigging rates for
into the upper inches of the subsoil by tilling. except when the turf or the ground is frozen. bermudagrass and zoysiagrass range
Work the lime and fertilizer into the top 4 to 6 Delay installation during the really hot and dry from 7 to 10 bushels per 1,000 square
inches of soil. periods of the summer. If sodding must be feet.
Landscaping and Gardening 31

14. the area with straw or other suitable material so Midsummer thatching will help control insects Liming Apply ground agricultural limestone
that approximately 50 to 75 percent of the soil and fungus disease harbored in lawn clippings. as needed to maintain the pH of the soil
surface is covered. This is normally between 6 and 6.5. After you have corrected a
Watering Watering is seldom necessary to
accomplished by spreading one and one-half to pH problem, you may need supplemental
keep established turf alive; however,
two bales of high-quality, weed-free straw per applications approximately every three years.
approximately 1 inch of water per week during
1,000 square feet. The light mulch does not To be sure, test your soil every three years, and
the growing season is necessary to keep it
need to be removed after the grass begins to follow the recommendations.
attractive and may prevent it from going
grow.
dormant. Delay supplemental watering until Nutrients The kind of grass you have
Sodding You also need a smooth, firm the grass begins to indicate a need. Water determines the best time for you to add needed
surface for sod. If your planting day is hot, thoroughly, wetting the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 nutrients, especially nitrogen. For the cool-
moisten the soil to cool it before laying sod. inches. The next watering should be delayed season grasses, such as bluegrass, fescue, and
Premium quality, certified sod is easier to until the ground is dry and the grass again ryegrass, apply the major portion of the year’s
transport and install than inferior grades. Good shows a need. The best rule is to water only nitrogen in late summer and fall. Warm-season
sod is light, does not tear easily, and quickly when the lawn begins to wilt from dryness –– grasses, such as zoysia and bermudagrass,
puts a root system into prepared, well-watered when the color dulls and footprints stay should be fertilized in late spring or early
soil. Install sod on top of freshly tilled soil as compressed for more than a few seconds. Most summer. Avoid early spring fertilizing for
soon as you get it; it is perishable and should lawns are watered too frequently with not either type of turf. Phosphate and potash must
not remain in a stack longer than 36 hours. Be enough water at each watering. be maintained at adequate levels for
sure that the sod you buy was cut the day satisfactory turf growth. Lawns and similar
Aerating Aerate the lawn once a year in late
before, not days or weeks ago. turf areas in Virginia generally need from 3 to 5
summer to early fall and to a depth of 2 to 3
pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet each
MAINTAINING A LAWN inches using a core aeration machine. By
year, depending on the soils, species, and other
Lawn maintenance can be simplified if you removing plugs of soil, core aeration stimulates
conditions. A little experience will enable you
adhere to several recommendations in this root growth and increases soil porosity.
to determine the fertility program that best
guide. Together these improvements reduce runoff,
suits your conditions.
increase nitrogen absorption, and reduce the
Mowing Mow your lawn at a height of 2 1/2
need for herbicides. Stimulating root growth Fertilizer Programs Supplying the needed
to 3 1/2 inches. Longer blades of grass provide
keeps the plants healthy and creates a thick nutrients is essential to maintaining a healthy
for a more vigorous lawn with a thicker turf
lawn. The first few times you aerate, be sure lawn. Over-fertilizing and exceeding the
and fewer pests. Adjust your mower so you do
the soil is well saturated to allow the spoons or application rates may promote excessive top
not remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade at
tines to penetrate their full depth. After several growth and a shallow root system and are
any one mowing.
years of regular aeration, the soil can be major sources of water pollution. Be sure to
Mulching Leave short grass clippings to aerated even when it is dry. Some summers a keep the fertilizer off your sidewalks and
decompose on the lawn, replenishing needed well-aerated lawn may require no additional driveways as it can easily wash into a local
nitrogen. If you don’t have a mulching mower, water. It will also become too dense for weeds. stream or drainageway.
compost excessive grass clippings.
32 You and Your Land