FEATURES SPRING CLEAN-UP CHECKLIST By: Staff of Riverview Tree & Landscaping, Inc. P erforming Spring Clean-up landscape and lawn maintenance work is a time-honored tradition for gardeners. After a winter spent indoors, it is wonderful to get outside into the sunshine and work on your property and spring work is vital to having a beautiful, attractive and healthy landscape. This article is intended as an overview and checklist for homeowners. PLANTS: * Prune winter-killed branches and cut back spent perennials and ornamental grasses. * Trim woody perennials (such as Lavender) for shape. * Do not prune most other plants at this time - they are budding out and many are getting ready to flower. Most woody shrubs should be pruned later in the year. Spring bloomers should be pruned immediately after bloom is finished. Evergreens and others are best pruned starting in July. Check different plant types in your yard for best pruning practices or speak with your Independent Garden Center. 8 AT HOME IN BERKs April 2017 BEDS: * Rake away leaves, sticks and debris from the base of your perennial plants, shrubs and trees. Remove any weeds that have started to grow. * Fertilize your plants with a 5-10-10 or 10-10-10 granular fertilizer, making a ring around your plants. * Edge the bed edges using a power-edger, shovel or weedeater. * Now is an excellent time to thin out perennials by splitting and transplanting to other areas. * Weed prevention is important. Apply a weed inhibitor, such as Preen, prior to mulching.