New trees, shrubs and perennials have small root systems and depend on you for water until they settle in. The first growing season matters most.

Clean Up Beds

• Once the soil has dried out and temperatures stay above freezing, rake out leaves and debris from beds.
• Cut back last year’s perennial and ornamental grass stems to make room for new growth.
• Pull early weeds while they’re small and the soil is soft.

Prune Before Buds Break

• Remove dead, damaged or crossing branches on trees and shrubs.
• Prune summer-blooming shrubs, such as hydrangea and potentilla, in early spring.
• Wait to prune spring-flowering shrubs like lilac and forsythia until after they bloom.

Refresh Mulch

• Top off beds so mulch is 2–3 inches deep.
• Keep mulch a few inches away from tree trunks and shrub stems. Never pile it up against the bark.

Divide & Plant

• Spring is a great time to divide overgrown perennials and plant new trees, shrubs and perennials.
• Start watering when spring rains taper off. Don’t assume early-season plants have enough moisture.

Water in the Morning

Early morning is the best time to water everything in your yard. Aim to finish before 10 AM.

• Less waste: Cooler morning air means less water is lost to evaporation, so more soaks in.
• Less disease: Leaves dry off during the day, which helps prevent powdery mildew and other fungal problems.
• Better heat tolerance: Well-watered plants handle hot afternoons with less stress.

Keep Mulch Topped Off

A 2–3 inch layer of mulch around trees, shrubs and perennial beds holds moisture in the soil, keeps weeds down and keeps roots cooler during heat waves. If your mulch has thinned out, add more before the hottest part of summer.

Prune Spring Bloomers After They Flower

Spring-flowering shrubs set next year’s buds on this year’s growth, so prune them soon after the flowers fade. Wait too long, and you’ll cut off next year’s blooms.

• Lilac (prune within about two weeks after blooming)
• Forsythia
• Azalea
• Chokeberry
• Magnolia
• Redbud
• Bridal wreath spirea

Light Shaping

• Early summer is a good time to lightly shape junipers, arborvitae and wisteria (after it blooms).
• Prune maples and birch only if necessary. They bleed sap when cut. It won’t hurt the tree, but it can be messy.
• Avoid pruning oaks from April through July to lower the risk of oak wilt.

Deadhead & Watch for Pests

• Remove spent flowers on perennials to keep them looking tidy and encourage more blooms.
• Check leaves for chewing, spots or discoloration, and deal with problems early.

Keep Watering Until the Ground Freezes

• Continue watering through fall, especially in dry years. Plants are still growing roots.
• Give evergreens a deep soak in late fall, before the ground freezes, to help prevent winter burn.

Plant & Divide

• Early fall is an excellent time to plant trees and shrubs and divide spring- and summer-blooming perennials.
• Cooler air and warm soil help roots settle in before winter.

Prune Carefully

• Don’t prune spring-flowering shrubs in fall. You’ll remove next year’s flower buds.
• Limit fall pruning to dead, damaged or diseased branches.

Prepare for Winter

• Leave healthy perennials and grasses standing for winter interest and wildlife, or cut them back if you prefer a tidier look.
• Remove diseased plant material instead of leaving it in the bed over winter.
• Protect young tree trunks and shrubs from rabbits and rodents with guards or fencing.
• Keep fallen leaves from smothering lawns and beds. Shred them and use them as mulch.