A.  TYPICAL AGE FOR RENOVATION ( 20 + years old)

• shrubs have been pruned improperly
• inappropriately planted shrubs whose mature size is too large for the location
• little to no fertilization
• surrounding trees have become larger and providing more shade
• large trees have fallen or been removed, suddenly subjecting plants below todirect sun

 B.  IMPROPERLY PRUNED  and TOO LARGE SHRUBS

• Choice 1: decide if they are worth renovating with pruning and fertilization, and if you can wait for them look bad for several months
• Choice 2:  remove old shrubs and start over with new shrubs appropriately selected for location

C.   FERTILIZATON

• Use a fertilizer formulated for Tree and Shrub use with ironite included
• (Be sure to follow directions and not use too much!)

D.   SURROUNDING TREES HAVE GROWN LARGE

• When trees are young and small, the plants around them selected for planting areusually ones that do better wtih good sunlight.  Now that the trees are mature and provide a lot of shade, the plants beneath are not getting enough light.  These plants should be moved to an area with more sunlight and new shade plants installed under the tree shade.

E.   LARGE TREE(S) HAS BEEN LOST OR REMOVED

• The plants underneath may require shade, and now they are suddenly in full sun (such as Azaleas).  Either plant a new, large tree that will provide enough shade; or move these plants to a shadier area and replace with full sun plants.

F.   OTHER TYPICAL RENOVATION NEEDS

• Improved sidewalks
• New driveway with masonry details (i.e. stone apron or other)
• Larger planting beds
• Redo lawns that are 50% or more weeds
• New, larger deck
• Additional drainage installed

About the Author

Dixie Speck

For Dixie Speck, president of Solterra Landscape Inc., plants and landscaping aren’t just a business, but an obsession. Her passion led her to leave a career in the engineering field, move to Atlanta, receive training in landscape design and contracting, and start a landscaping business.

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