Oh man spring and summer will be here shortly. Here are 10 excellent tips on how to keep your landscaping yard beautiful year round. It is going to require some work. Get off your butt and get busy.

1. Water - This is the biggest problem of all. You will need to water all trees and shrubs on a daily basis for at least the first 2-3 weeks after planting them. 3-5 gallons of water per 5 ga. tree. This is very critical during the summer months, no matter where you live! This includes most drought tolerant trees and shrubs. Remember most trees and shrubs will require less or water once they are established. Depending on the variety and type it could be anywhere from 1 to 2 years down the road.

2. To ensure a successful planting do NOT fertilize right after planting your tree or shrub. Use a good root stimulator to stimulate root growth. Do not fertilize during the winter months. Use a good all purpose tree or shrub fertilizer right after the last frost ( usually after march in the southwest ) Water about twice per month during December, January and March. Typically you should fertilize once in the spring, summer and fall.

3. Most southwestern soils lack acid, use a good compost with some acidity to help root development during planting. You should test your soil to see what nutrients might be lacking wherever you live. You can purchase soil testers at your local nursery store they are inexpensive.

4. If you are using a drip system be sure that the emitter is directly over the root ball of the tree or plant. A couple of inches off may result in insuffcient water to your plant. IMany plants have gone to "plant heaven" because of this one mistake.

5. Fertilize your tree or shrub with a good all purpose fertilizer anything close to a 16-8-8 analysis will work great. Leaves turning yellow are sometimes a lack of iron in the soil. Add a fertilizer with iron, liquid iron or ironite. If your trees or plants don't look right you may want to see our page about tree and shrub problems.

6. Remember most trees and shrubs need about 6 monts to about 1 year before they are established. Once established Almost all plants will require less water.

7. Native plants need as much watering as other plants during the first year. Once established they will usually thrive with much less water. Once a month during winter and about once per week during the dry hot summer months. We are talking 15-20 minutes on a slow drip system.

8. Be sure the root ball on all container plants are intact when planting them. Do NOT expose the roots. The plant will go in extreme shock and may die.

9. Remove and clear any and all weeds and rocks that may be in the area. Weeds will suck out water and nutrients from the soil. Large rocks or debris will hinder root development.

10. The key to a successful planting is to continually check and observe your tree, shrub or plant making sure there are no signs of diseases or insect problems. Insects love new leaf growth. Diseases are usually fungal. Signs are usually wilting, slow growth, leaves turning yellow during the summer months. Not sure what the problem might be? Trim off a branch, limb or leaf and bring it in to your local nursery or greenhouse. They usually have the most knowledgable gardening employees around.