Pruning a Rhododendron

June 22, 2015 by Justinhay

Pruning a Rhododendron

Here is a review on the pruning of a common foundation planting found around homes in Maine, the rhododendron. Pruning a rhododendron is normally done for maintenance, shaping, and rejuvenation.

Maintenance pruning is the removal of spent flowers and old, dead wood. It is important to remove the flower stems from the shrub once blooming has stopped. Allowing these dead flower clusters to remain on the plant can actually decrease the following year’s flowering. Cut near the bottom of the old flower cluster. Also, remove dead parts of the shrub, following the branch back to healthy wood and making your cut at that location.

Between the first frost in fall and the last frost in spring will work for trimming rhododendrons. As the flowers diminish, prune no more than 15-20 inches off the most resilient branches. Cut back the plant to uncover the inner branches. Follow the branch down to the last whorl of leaves you want to keep and cut just over those leaves, about 1/4 inch above the topmost leaf in this cluster.

Large, unkempt rhododendrons can be cut 12-15 inches from the ground when necessary. Rhododendrons often have three or more central branches rising from the crown of the plant. Each of these primary branches should be cut at differing heights to produce a more natural-looking shrub. Cut about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch just above a dormant bud. Pruning above a cluster of two or three buds is even better.

Sometimes more severe pruning may be required, cutting to about 6 inches or so from the ground. Their adventitious buds at the bottom of the plant will send up new shoots, but keep in mind that flowering usually won’t occur for up to 2 or three years after this substantial pruning.

Lawn Mowing Tips

May 18, 2015 by Justinhay

Lawn Mowing Tips

Starting up the lawn mower signifies the start of Spring for many Portland Maine residents. We are here to provide some helpful lawn mowing tips to reap the benefits of a healthy lawn in 2015.

Grass height should be cut 2 1/2″ to 3″ (we recommend 3″)
Do not cut more than 1/3 of the height off in a single mowing.
Once per week is the preferable schedule to keep the grass manageable although this will be determined by growth.
Keeps lawn mower blades sharpened and balanced to avoid injury to the grass.
Mulching grass clippings (leaving on the lawn) returns valuable nutrients to lawn, when not excessive.

Call AC Yard Services today to have your property mowed by a professional local Maine company.

Spring Clean-Ups in Portland Maine

April 17, 2015 by Justinhay

Spring Clean-Ups in Portland Maine

Spring is a beautiful and exciting time in Maine! Now is the time of year to prepare your lawn and landscaping for the season with a Spring Clean-Up.

To ensure your lawn looks good, it should be cleared of debris left over from fall and winter including leaves, branches, pine cones, and pine needles. Lawn dethatching will reduce that layer of spongy dead grass and fluff up the lawn for summer.

The city and town plow trucks provide a valuable service making the roads safe during our harsh Maine winters, however there are some after effects. Sand from the street needs to remove from the lawn to promote healthy grass growth. Any lawn dug up by the plow also needs to be graded and may need to be seeded in order for the grass to come back.

Flower beds should also be cleaned out including cutting any perennials not completed in the fall, weeding, pruning broken branches prior to spreading mulch. Shrubs that flower on new wood should be pruned in early spring. Mulching improves appearance and helps discourage weeds from growing. A layer of 3”-4” should be applied for weed prevention. Mulch beds should be edged to provide a clean border and prevent mulch from spilling into the lawn. This also helps put a stop to grass and weeds growing from your lawn into the flower beds.

Your property will look beautiful in 2015 with proper spring clean-up preparation and continued maintenance throughout the season!