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March is a crucial month for maintaining shrubs and hedges in Zone 1. Proper care during this time ensures healthy growth and a beautiful landscape throughout the year. As winter recedes, it’s time to prepare your plants for the active growing season ahead.
Early March Preparations
Start by inspecting your shrubs and hedges for any winter damage. Remove broken or dead branches with clean, sharp pruning shears. This encourages healthy new growth and prevents disease.
Clear away debris such as fallen leaves and twigs around the base of your plants. This helps improve air circulation and reduces the risk of pests and diseases.
Pruning Techniques
Prune your shrubs and hedges to shape them and promote dense growth. For most species, early spring pruning should be light and selective. Focus on removing crossing branches and thinning out crowded areas.
Use clean, sharp tools to make precise cuts. For woody plants, prune back to a healthy outward-facing bud or branch.
Timing and Frequency
Timing is essential. Prune after the risk of severe frosts has passed, typically in early to mid-March for Zone 1. Avoid heavy pruning late in the season to prevent new growth from being damaged by late frosts.
Regularly check your plants throughout March and remove any new dead or damaged growth.
Feeding and Watering
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer suitable for shrubs and hedges. This provides essential nutrients for vigorous growth during spring.
Ensure your plants receive adequate water, especially if the winter has been dry. Water deeply to encourage roots to grow deeper into the soil.
Additional Tips
- Avoid fertilizing if the ground is still frozen.
- Mulch around the base of plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Monitor for pests and diseases, treating promptly if needed.
- Consider staking young or top-heavy shrubs for support.
By following these maintenance tips in March, you will set your shrubs and hedges on a path to healthy, lush growth throughout the year. Proper care now will pay off with a vibrant landscape come summer and beyond.