We’ve all got Spring Fever. And why not? This winter was a long, cold one! Spring in the Lehigh Valley is really beautiful, and since we

all want to make the most of our landscaping, I’ve put together some seasonal tips based on frequently requested gardening advice. I hope

they help you enjoy your landscaping this year.

Safeguard suspect trees. If your deciduous trees and shrubs had insect or mite infestation problems last season, dormant oil sprays may

help prevent or control the problem this year. These oils can be used as dormant treatments or throughout most of the season, although

when the weather warms up, a lighter rate of these materials should be applied. Contact our Forever Green tree care division for a diagnosis

and treatment options.

Flowering forsythias = crabgrass control time.

My rule of thumb is, when you see the yellow explosion of the forsythia blooms, it’s time for crabgrass control. Our trained technicians have

several options when it comes to treatments, depending on weather conditions and when they are able to put down the application.

Mother’s Day means flowers. Mom’s Day is usually a safe bet for planting less cold hardy annuals, such as impatiens and geraniums.

The risk of overnight frost or freeze damage is usually gone by this point – although you should still check the local weather reports, just

to be safe. If frost threatens, cover plants with cardboard boxes, cold frames or plastic containers from dusk until morning. Potted plants can also be brought indoors.

What zone am I? The Lehigh Valley and its surroundings fall into a sort of gray area on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, which can

sometimes make plant selection and installation confusing. Technically, we fall into zones 5a & 5b. However, the mountainous regions sometime act more like they belong to a cooler zone, while our cities and southeastern sections sometimes more closely resemble warmer ones. Low-lying spots, exposure to the elements, and sheltered areas in your yard are other factors that may affect landscaping conditions. Check with your designer if you are unsure about plant hardiness where you live.

Help for the horticulturally-impaired.

Here are some excellent resources that can assist you, whether you’re an avid gardener or yard-work phobic:

• Penn State Cooperative Extension

(Lehigh Valley): (610) 391-9840 or

http://lehigh.extension.psu.edu

• USDA’s Home Gardening web page:

www.usda.gov/news/garden.htm

• Plantique’s Newly Updated Web Site:

www.plantique.com

• Plantique’s Forever Green division: ??????

610-481-9882, or 610-861-8566