One of the many benefits of owning a shrub is that it can be versatile and easy to take care of. However, like anything else, there are things to remember when caring for a shrub. Here are six common mistakes people make when caring for their shrubs.
1- Not Watering Enough
A well-hydrated plant will not experience leaf burn or suffer from an overly dry root system. Depending on conditions and requirements, shrubs need water three or four times per week. If the plant is in a drought area, it should be watered much more often due to excessive transpiration and possible foliar burn. On the other hand, if the shrub has been overwatered and is in poor condition, it is a sign that it needs to be pruned, or otherwise, you should take corrective measures.
2- Not Pruning Enough
Shrubs need professional pruning to maintain a proper structure. If they are not pruned often enough, they become tall and large and require more maintenance. Pruning is necessary for the shrub’s overall health because it removes dead, damaged, or diseased branches that might spread disease or make moving the plant difficult. It also gets rid of excess foliage and can help with air circulation, reducing the chances of pests and diseases.
3- Fertilizing Too Little
If you do not fertilize your plants enough, they will suffer from deficiencies. These deficiencies can lead to plant diseases that can spread throughout the garden. For instance, iron deficiency can cause yellow leaf tips and stunted growth. Calcium deficiency can result in droopy leaves with yellow edges.
4- Ignoring Root Issues
Most root problems can be fixed and do not require complete plant removal. For instance, if the shrub has been planted in an area that does not suit it and is not getting enough water to support vigorous plant growth, the roots may suffer due to a lack of nutrients. That causes the plant to wilt or lay down on its side until it dies. In such a case, you should move the shrub to a more suitable location so that its roots can access what is required for proper growth.
5- Digging Small Holes
Many people believe that if you plant a shrub in a small hole, you can hold the plant in place until it grows bigger. That is not the case. All shrubs need room to grow and develop properly. If the hole is dug too small, the roots may be constricted, and the amount of room for growth will not be sufficient.
6- Planting Too Deep
Planting the shrub too deep can lead to a variety of problems. If the root ball is buried too deep, it will likely decay as it has no access to oxygen. Such decay leads to issues such as salt build-up in the soil and eventually leads to root burn or death. Furthermore, planting a shrub that is too big for its location or container can lead to overgrown roots, which can suffocate smaller surrounding plants.
A well-maintained landscape will be far more beautiful than one that has been abused. By avoiding the above mistakes, you can ensure that your landscape can thrive for years.
