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Colin Can Help Recommended Care Guides

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Forsythia

Forsythia is a deciduous shrub known for its vibrant yellow spring blooms. It thrives in well-draining soil and prefers a location with full sun to partial shade.

What To Expect

Size
Forsythias can reach a mature height of 6-10 feet, with a similar spread.

Rate of Growth:
Forsythias are known for their moderately fast growth rate. In optimal conditions, they can put on about 1 to 2 feet of new growth each year. This vigor makes them excellent choices for quickly establishing hedges, borders, or focal points in the landscape. With proper care and maintenance, a forsythia can rapidly fill in a designated area, providing lush green foliage and vibrant blooms in a relatively short period.

Size at Maturity:
At maturity, forsythias typically reach a height of 6 to 10 feet, with a similar spread. However, the ultimate size can vary depending on the specific cultivar and growing conditions. Some compact varieties may remain smaller, making them suitable for smaller gardens or containers. It's important to consider the specific type of forsythia you're working with when planning its placement in your landscape.

Planting Distance from Other Plants:
When planting a forsythia, it's recommended to space them about 6 to 8 feet apart. This provides ample room for the shrub to grow and expand without becoming overcrowded. Proper spacing allows for good air circulation, which can help prevent diseases and promote healthy growth. Additionally, it gives each forsythia sufficient access to sunlight, which is crucial for their overall vitality and prolific blooming.

Attracts
Forsythias are generally not known for attracting pests or wildlife in significant numbers. While they may occasionally host some insects, such as bees and butterflies seeking nectar from their blooms, these interactions are typically minimal and do not pose a threat to the health of the plant. Similarly, forsythias are not considered major attractants for larger wildlife or animals.

Lifespan:
With proper care, forsythias can have a lifespan of approximately 20 to 30 years or even longer. Regular pruning, adequate watering, and occasional fertilization can help prolong the life of a forsythia. However, like many plants, the lifespan of a forsythia can be influenced by factors such as climate, soil conditions, and overall care practices.

Maintenance

General Rules
Regular Inspections: Throughout the year, keep an eye on the forsythia for any signs of stress, pests, or diseases. Early intervention is key to maintaining plant health.

Adequate Watering: Ensure the forsythia receives consistent moisture, especially during dry spells or drought conditions.

Avoid Overcrowding: If planting multiple forsythias, make sure to space them appropriately to allow for healthy growth and air circulation.

Avoid Over-fertilizing: Too much fertilizer can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Follow recommended application rates.

Recommended Maintenance:
Spring (March - May):

Pruning:

Right after blooming, prune older stems to the ground to encourage new growth and maintain a healthy, vibrant appearance.
Fertilizing:

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer according to package instructions. This helps provide essential nutrients for vigorous growth and flowering.
Mulching:

Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant, keeping it about 2-3 inches away from the stems. This helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Summer (June - August):

Watering:

Provide regular watering, especially during extended dry periods. Deep watering once a week is generally sufficient, ensuring the soil stays consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Monitoring for Pests and Diseases:

Regularly inspect the forsythia for signs of pests (like aphids) or diseases (such as powdery mildew). Address any issues promptly.
Fall (September - November):

Pruning:

Lightly trim and shape the forsythia if needed. Remove any dead or diseased branches.
Fertilizing (Optional):

If the soil is lacking in nutrients, a light application of balanced fertilizer can be applied in early fall.
Winter (December - February):

Protect from Heavy Snow:

In regions with heavy snowfall, consider using stakes or burlap to protect the branches from heavy snow accumulation, which can lead to breakage.
Monitor for Winter Damage:

After heavy snow or storms, check for any broken or damaged branches and prune them off to promote healthy spring growth.

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Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are cherished for their globe-like clusters of colorful blooms, ranging from pink and blue to white and green. These versatile shrubs add an elegant touch to gardens.

What To Expect

Size
Hydrangea planting size and spacing depend on the variety. For smaller types, space plants 3 to 4 feet apart. Larger varieties may need 5 to 6 feet between plants. Ensure there's enough room for the plant to reach its mature size without overcrowding, promoting better air circulation and healthy growth.

Attracts
Hydrangeas attract a variety of wildlife, including bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, which are drawn to their flowers for nectar. Some bird species may also visit hydrangea bushes, attracted by the shelter they provide or the seeds they produce in the fall.
Maintenance

Low Maintenance
For maintaining hydrangeas, water them deeply once a week, more in extreme heat. They prefer moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Fertilize in spring and summer with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Prune in late winter or early spring, cutting back last year’s growth to promote healthy buds and blooms.
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Rhododendron

With glossy leaves and a range of sizes, these versatile plants are prized for their ability to thrive in various garden settings, adding a touch of elegance and color to any landscape.

What To Expect

Rhododendrons should be spaced 2 to 6 feet apart, depending on their mature size. They attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, and some varieties may also draw hummingbirds due to their nectar-rich flowers.
Maintenance

Medium Maintenance
Watering: Regular watering is crucial, especially during dry periods. Ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilizer: Apply a slow-release, acid-forming fertilizer in spring; avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm the plant.
Soil: Prefer acidic, well-drained soil rich in organic material. Adjust soil pH if necessary to maintain acidity.
Pruning: Prune immediately after flowering to shape the plant and remove dead or diseased branches. Avoid late pruning, as it can remove next year's buds.

Fertilizing
There will be a mileage consideration for all jobs more than 10 miles from Euclid, Ohio. This will be worked into the quoted price for the job.

Pruning
Spring (April-May):
Prune immediately after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fall (October):
Remove any dead or diseased wood to promote overall health.

Billing & Payment
A 50% down payment by credit card is required to get the service scheduled and the remainder will be billed upon completion of the service.
We accept all major credit cards, bank-certified checks, and cash.

Evergreen Shrubs

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Arborvitae (Thuja spp.)

A tall, evergreen tree with a conical shape, arborvitae is often used for privacy screens and windbreaks due to its dense foliage.

What To Expect

Size
Forsythias can reach a mature height of 6-10 feet, with a similar spread.

Attracts
Lakewood
Parma
Seven Hills
Independence
Maintenance

Low to Medium Maintenance
It requires regular watering, especially in the first few years and during dry periods, and benefits from mulching to retain soil moisture. Pruning is minimal, mainly for shape or to remove damaged branches.
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Yew (Taxus spp.)

An evergreen shrub with dense, dark green needles and bright red berries, yew is known for its slow growth and ability to withstand heavy pruning.

What To Expect

Expect yews to be versatile evergreens with dense, needle-like foliage, suitable for hedges, screens, or specimen plantings. They thrive in both sun and shade and can be pruned into various shapes, making them ideal for formal landscapes and foundation plantings.
Maintenance

Medium to Low maintenance
They are adaptable and tolerate pruning well, but require monitoring for proper soil moisture and potential pest issues. Regular trimming helps maintain shape and health, while avoiding over-watering prevents root rot.
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Boxwood (Buxus spp.)

This popular hedge plant features small, glossy leaves and a dense, rounded growth habit, ideal for formal garden designs.

What To Expect

Expect boxwoods to be evergreen shrubs with dense, lush foliage, ideal for creating structured designs like hedges, borders, or formal gardens. They can be shaped into various forms, making them versatile in landscape design. Best used for creating year-round green structure, defining spaces, and adding texture to the garden.
Maintenance

Medium Maintenance
Boxwood has a medium maintenance rating due to its need for regular pruning to maintain shape and prevent disease. It requires well-drained soil and benefits from mulching and occasional fertilization. Proper care ensures healthy growth and a tidy appearance.

Native and Wildlife-Friendly Shrubs

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Sumac (Rhus spp.)

Sumac is known for its vibrant fall foliage and distinctive red fruit clusters. It thrives in full sun to partial shade.

What To Expect

Expect Sumac to rapidly grow up to 15-25 feet, depending on the species, with a broad, spreading canopy. It's ideal for naturalized areas or as a specimen plant.
Maintenance

Low Maintenance
Sumac is low-maintenance, requiring little to no pruning and minimal care once established, adapting well to various soil types.
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Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

Spicebush is a deciduous shrub known for its aromatic leaves and small, yellow flowers that bloom in early spring before the foliage appears.

What To Expect

Size
Expect Spicebush to grow 6 to 12 feet tall and wide, with a loose, spreading form. It thrives in part shade to full shade and prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil. This shrub is particularly noted for its early spring flowers and vibrant yellow fall foliage.

Attracts
Lakewood
Parma
Seven Hills
Independence
Maintenance

Low Maintenance
Spicebush is considered low-maintenance, needing little care once established in the right conditions. It's resilient to pests and diseases and requires minimal pruning, mostly just to shape or remove any damaged branches. Regular watering during dry periods will keep it healthy, but otherwise, it's a hardy plant that adapts well to naturalized settings.
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Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)

Featuring unique, spherical white flowers and a rounded growth habit, buttonbush is a moisture-loving plant often found in wetlands.

What To Expect

Expect Buttonbush to be a robust, deciduous shrub with a rounded form, reaching 6 to 12 feet in height and width. It's known for its glossy green leaves and unique, globular white flowers that bloom in summer, attracting butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. The plant's ability to thrive in wet conditions makes it an excellent choice for water-themed landscapes or areas with poor drainage.
Maintenance

Low Maintenance
In terms of maintenance, Buttonbush is considered low-maintenance due to its adaptability to various soil types and tolerance of wet conditions. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can be pruned in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and promote healthy growth. The shrub's resilience and minimal care requirements earn it a low maintenance rating, making it a practical and attractive option for homeowners looking to enhance their landscape with wildlife-friendly and visually striking plants.

Let's Talk About Your Bushes

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Bush Trimming Services Are Available In:

If your city is not listed, we can still help but there will be additional delivery fees.

Beachwood

Cleveland Heights

Eastlake

Gates Mills

Highland Heights

Lyndhurst

Mayfield

Mayfield Heights

Richmond Heights

Shaker Heights

South Euclid

University Heights

Wickliffe

Willowick

Willoughby

Willoughby Hills

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