Get Ready to Prune!

 

Spring cleaning isn’t just for the house.  It’s also for the garden, where trees and shrubs that weren’t pruned in autumn may require a bit of attention. 

Since good pruning should enhance the natural shape of any tree or shrub, it’s helpful to prune plants in early spring, prior to them leafing out.  Most plants can be pruned in early spring; note these few exceptions:

  • Birch

  • Maple

  • ·         Grape Vines

  • ·         Spring blooming shrubs – Double Flowering Plum, Lilac, etc.

Pruning:

1.    Remove any dead or damaged branches along with any branches that look bad (for example are growing down instead of up or are crossing other branches etc.).

2.    To rejuvenate older shrubs or contain the size of fast growing shrubs, remove up to 1/3 of old branches.

Ensure you use a quality pair of pruners such as Felco or Corona.  These lightweight pruners have strong blades for consistent cuts, and best of all have a lifetime guarantee. 

For more pruning information pick up a copy of Pruning in Alberta; this handy guide reveals everything you need to know about pruning trees and shrubs in Alberta.  Produced by Alberta Agriculture, only $5.99.  Available at local garden centres.

 

  

 
 

Skoot

Effective for repelling rabbits, deer and mice, Skoot is a bitter tasting solution that will repel animals by taste.  It is either painted onto trunks of trees, or diluted and sprayed on plants. 

The active ingredient is Thiram, which is actually a common fungicide.  500ml (makes 2L) $18.99

 
 

 
 

Plantskydd

Originally developed in Sweden by the forestry industry (the name in Swedish actually means ‘plant protection).  Not only were forestry officials seeking a long lasting productive, but their strict environmental laws meant it had to be 100% natural.  The product emits an odour that animals associate with predator activity; this fear keeps animals from even coming near the area.  It is one of the longest lasting repellents; the vegetable oil ‘binder’ means the product sticks to leaves up to 6 months. 

The active ingredient is bloodmeal, so if used during the growing season, it actually works as a foliar fertilizer too.  Listed to repel deer, moose, elk, rabbits, squirrels, voles and other rodents. 

1L $29.99   1kg concentrate (4L) $29.99    2kg concentrate (8L) $59.99

With all of the above accolades, why would anyone choose Skoot over Plantskydd?  Plantskydd’s odour can be strong, so if using during the growing season, you would not choose to use it too close to seating areas/decks.  Plantskydd also costs considerably more per 1L bottle.

  
 

 
 

Tree Wraps

Most rabbit or porcupine damage to trees is aimed at the main trunk.  Tree Wraps are simply coiled around the trunk, and provide a very inexpensive way to prevent any animal damage year round.  		 
 

 
 

Deer Resistant Plants – Start planning now; certain hardy plants are not as favourable to deer as others and may even repel them; click here to view a listing.

  
 

 
 

Rabbit Resistant Plants

in the past couple of years, rabbits have been a heavy nuisance, particularily in newer neighborhoods where much development has happened. 

To start, it's important to know that there are few truly rabbit-resistant plants. Like people, different rabbits have different favorite foods. One family of rabbits in your area may mow down a certain plant in your yard but a different group will avoid the same plant in your neighbor's yard down the street.  Also, like people, when rabbits are hungry enough, they'll eat just about anything!  With that in mind, here are plants we've noted rabbits tend to stay away from.

  • Allium
  • Hyssop
  • Astilbe
  • Bee Balm
  • Catmint
  • Daylily’
  • False Indigo
  • Foxglove
  • Lamb’s Here
  • Salvia
  • Speedwell
  • Yarrow
 
 

Greenland Homepage