Shrubs are a crucial part of any well-maintained landscape, providing beauty, privacy, and environmental benefits throughout the year. However, to keep them looking their best, they require specific care tailored to each season. Whether you’re a homeowner, a property manager, or a gardening enthusiast, understanding the seasonal needs of your shrubs can make all the difference in their health and longevity.
As a leading shrub care company in St. Louis, Allen Outdoor Solutions specializes in providing expert care to keep your shrubs vibrant and thriving year-round. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best seasonal shrub care practices to ensure your landscape flourishes in every season.
Spring Shrub Care: Awakening from Dormancy
As temperatures begin to rise, shrubs transition from dormancy to active growth. Spring is the perfect time to give them a strong start for the growing season.
Key Spring Care Tips:
Pruning: Remove dead or damaged branches to encourage new growth and shape the shrub.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to replenish nutrients lost over winter.
Watering: Increase watering frequency but avoid overwatering, as roots need oxygen to grow.
Mulching: Refresh mulch around the base of shrubs to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
Pest & Disease Monitoring: Keep an eye out for early signs of common pests like aphids and fungal diseases.
📌 Pro Tip: Prune flowering shrubs like lilacs and azaleas after they bloom to avoid cutting off buds for the next season.
Summer Shrub Care: Strengthening Against Heat & Drought
Summer brings higher temperatures, which can stress shrubs if they’re not properly cared for. Proper hydration and pest control are essential to keeping your landscape healthy during the heat.
Key Summer Care Tips:
Watering Strategies: Water deeply but less frequently to encourage strong root systems. Morning watering is best to prevent evaporation.
Shade & Protection: Use shade cloths or plant shrubs strategically to prevent sunscald.
Pest Control: Keep an eye out for summer insects such as spider mites, scale, and aphids.
Pruning Tips: Lightly trim shrubs to maintain their shape and remove dead flowers.
Soil Health: Monitor soil moisture to prevent drying out or waterlogging.
📌 Pro Tip: Avoid heavy pruning in summer, as this can stress the plant and make it more vulnerable to drought.
Fall Shrub Care: Preparing for Dormancy
As temperatures cool, shrubs begin to slow their growth in preparation for winter. This is the best time to strengthen roots and protect plants from harsh weather.
Key Fall Care Tips:
Pruning Adjustments: Avoid excessive pruning to prevent new growth that won’t survive winter.
Fertilizing: Apply a potassium-rich fertilizer to strengthen roots before dormancy.
Leaf Management: Clear fallen leaves from around shrubs to prevent fungal infections.
Mulching for Insulation: Add an extra layer of mulch to protect roots from temperature fluctuations.
Transplanting & New Shrubs: Fall is the best time to plant new shrubs, allowing roots to establish before winter.
📌 Pro Tip: Consider wrapping young or sensitive shrubs in burlap to shield them from cold winds and ice.
Winter Shrub Care: Protection Against Harsh Conditions
Winter can be tough on shrubs, especially those that are not cold-hardy. Proper care ensures they survive freezing temperatures and emerge healthy in spring.
Key Winter Care Tips:
Winter Pruning: Some shrubs, such as hydrangeas and dogwoods, benefit from winter pruning while dormant.
Cold Protection: Wrap shrubs in burlap or use frost blankets for added insulation.
Snow & Ice Management: Gently remove heavy snow buildup to prevent breakage, and avoid using de-icing salts near shrubs.
Winter Watering: Water shrubs on warmer winter days to prevent dehydration.
📌 Pro Tip: Evergreens lose moisture through their needles in winter, so deep watering before the ground freezes helps them retain hydration.
Why Hiring a Shrub Care Company Matters
While some shrub maintenance tasks can be done yourself, working with professional outdoor experts in landscaping ensures your shrubs get the expert care they need. Allen Outdoor Solutions understands the unique challenges of St. Louis’s climate and offers tailored year-round maintenance plans to keep your shrubs healthy and beautiful.
Benefits of Professional Shrub Care:
✔ Expert pruning and fertilization for optimal growth.
✔ Pest and disease management to prevent costly damage.
✔ Seasonal care strategies customized to your landscape’s needs.
✔ Stress-free, year-round maintenance so you can enjoy a beautiful yard without the hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the best time to prune shrubs?
A: The best time to prune depends on the shrub type. Spring-flowering shrubs should be pruned after they bloom, while most other shrubs benefit from winter pruning.
Q: How much water do shrubs need in the summer?
A: Deep watering once or twice a week is ideal, ensuring the water reaches at least 6 inches into the soil. Avoid frequent shallow watering.
Q: Should I fertilize my shrubs in the fall?
A: Yes! A potassium-rich fertilizer in fall strengthens roots for winter survival. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the season.
Conclusion
Proper seasonal shrub care is key to maintaining a healthy and attractive landscape. By following these expert tips or working with a professional shrub care company, you can ensure your shrubs stay vibrant and resilient all year long.
📞 Ready to give your shrubs the care they deserve? Contact Allen Outdoor Solutions today for expert landscaping and maintenance services in St. Louis! Let our outdoor experts in landscaping take care of your shrubs so you can enjoy a thriving, beautiful landscape—no matter the season.
🌿 Schedule a Consultation Now!
