Landscaping Myths vs Facts

By: Rosalie Merriner 

There are plenty of landscaping tips and tricks floating around, but how many of them are actually true? From watering schedules to pruning and plant selection, some common landscaping advice isn't quite as straightforward as it seems. Today, we are going to dive into some common landscaping myths and bring the truth to light.

Myth #1: You Should Prune Trees Whenever You Have Time

The first myth we will be looking at today is the statement, “You should just prune your trees whenever you have time.” While pruning is helpful for trees, pruning at the wrong time could have a significant impact on the health of your tree. Different trees have different ideal pruning windows. For the majority of trees and shrubs, late winter to early spring is ideal. Pruning during this time encourages new growth, and the lack of leaves makes it easier to see the branches that need to be pruned. For trees that flower in the spring, pruning immediately after they bloom can encourage new growth without removing next year's flower buds. One of the worst times to prune many trees is in the fall. Trees generally do not have enough time to produce and harden new growth before winter frost arrives, which can weaken them and make them more susceptible to damage and disease.

Myth #2: Grass Clippings Should Always Be Removed

Another myth is that all grass clippings should be removed. Although removing clippings can make a lawn look extra polished, it isn't always the best option for the grass. Long, wet clippings should be removed, as they may encourage mold or disease growth. However, shorter grass clippings can be left on the lawn and used as a natural fertilizer. As the clippings break down, they return nutrients to the soil, giving your lawn a free boost that can encourage healthy growth. Leaving short clippings on the lawn can also reduce the amount of yard waste that needs to be disposed of. As long as the lawn is mowed regularly and the clippings aren't excessively long or wet, they can be a simple and beneficial addition to your lawn care routine.

Myth #3: Landscape Fabric Eliminates Weeds Forever

The last myth we will be looking at today is the belief that landscape fabric eliminates weeds forever. This could not be further from the truth. While landscape fabric can help prevent a significant amount of weed growth, it cannot eliminate weeds permanently. As dirt, organic material, and seeds eventually accumulate on top of the fabric, weeds can begin to grow. Landscape fabric can be especially useful beneath rock or gravel, but it should not be viewed as a completely maintenance-free solution. To combat weed growth on top of landscape fabric, regularly removing leaves and debris from rocks or gravel can help. Depending on the situation, carefully using an appropriate weed-control product can also help keep unwanted growth under control.

Conclusion

It is no surprise that there are a lot of opinions in the landscaping community about what is true and what is a myth. With so much advice available, it can be difficult to know which tips are actually beneficial for your landscape. We want to help you create a successful landscape with truth and integrity at the heart.