The Secrets to Thriving Trees and Shrubs in Edmonton

Get Local Lawn Care Tips from Your Neighbors at Salisbury Landscaping

Proper shrub care is about more than just aesthetics – it's about keeping your green friends healthy and vibrant year-round! Knowing when and how to trim your shrubs can make all the difference, and our land caretakers at Salisbury Landscaping are here to give you some of our favorite pro tips.

Timely Trimming for Fabulous Flowers

Did you know that when you trim your shrubs can directly impact their blooms?

• For shrubs that show off their flowers after June 15th, hold off on the trimming until after October 15th. Why? Trimming too early can make them grow long and leggy, sometimes even causing them to "donut" (where they're bare in the middle). This late-season trim helps them prepare for next spring's show!
• If your shrubs bloom between May 15th and June 15th, you'll want to give them a haircut within two weeks of them finishing their flowering. This gives them plenty of time to set new flower buds for the following spring.

Generally, shrubs are quite low-maintenance, but they absolutely thrive with a little attention. A light trim, typically 2 to 6 inches of growth, helps them stay full and beautifully rounded. This regular trimming not only improves their appearance but also boosts their health by promoting good airflow and keeping diseases at bay.

A Quick Note on Pines: After Victoria Day, you'll notice pines growing long "candles." By cutting these candles in half, you'll encourage a denser, more compact plant and help maintain their shape and size.

Keeping Your Shrubs Healthy: Beyond the Trim

Shrubs are those wonderful woody plants, often multi-stemmed, typically standing between one and eight feet tall. Unlike perennials that vanish and regrow from the ground each spring, shrubs are here to stay!

To truly pamper your shrubs:

• Fertilize them around May 15th and June 15th. (Don't forget to check our maintenance sheet for specific product recommendations!)
• Clear away fallen leaves in the fall! Leaves often hide sneaky fungi or insect pests that can cause problems for your shrubs and trees. The easiest way to deal with them? Use a blower to get them onto your lawn, then simply bag them or pick them up with your mower.

Remember, different shrubs have different needs! Our team understands the unique requirements of various types, like broadleaf evergreens and deciduous shrubs, ensuring each plant gets the tailored care it needs for optimal growth and flowering throughout the season.

Our Commitment to Eco-Friendly Practices & Community in Edmonton

At Salisbury Landscaping, we truly believe in nurturing our environment while beautifying your space. That's why we're all about using sustainable and eco-friendly products that directly benefit the local Edmonton ecosystem.

We're dedicated to minimizing our environmental footprint by choosing practices and materials that align perfectly with our commitment to nature and sustainability. Plus, we love getting involved in community activities! It's how we build strong relationships and help make outdoor spaces across our beloved region even more vibrant and ecologically healthy.

Caring for Your Trees in Edmonton

Trees are majestic, and they need a little love to truly thrive!

• Water your trees around May 1st, and fertilize them with a specialized tree fertilizer (like an evergreen tree fertilizer or tree fertilizer stakes) on May 15th and June 15th.

Pruning for Growth and Shape

• For the first three years of a young tree's life, our goal is to help it fill out. Around April 15th in the spring, we'll carefully trim about four inches off the top branches using long-handled pruners or a pole pruner. This encourages fuller growth.
• After three years, we let your tree continue its upward journey!

Important Pruning Rules for Specific Trees:

• Never cut the top off an evergreen, Swedish Aspen Poplar, or Linden Tree. Doing so can distort their beautiful natural shape and lead to unwanted "double leaders."
• Maple and Birch trees are prone to "bleeding" heavily, so we only trim them after June 1st.
• Elm trees have strict pruning laws in Alberta – they can only be pruned between November 1st and March 31st. This helps prevent the spread of Dutch Elm Disease.

Beyond just pruning and fertilizing, keeping an eye on your trees' health is key. We regularly inspect for signs of pests or diseases and use integrated pest management strategies to keep your trees healthy without harming the environment. And for our younger trees, we ensure they get proper structural pruning and support staking to grow strong and stable.