Seasonal Maintenance Guide
Spring
- Prune Japanese maples before leaf emergence (late March)
- Fertilize azaleas and acid-loving plants after blooming
- Remove winter mulch and debris from beds
- Check and restart water features after winter
- Divide overcrowded groundcovers and perennials
- Apply fresh mulch to conserve moisture
Summer
- Water deeply during hot, humid periods
- Monitor Japanese maples for leaf scorch and provide afternoon shade
- Control deer damage with fencing or repellents
- Maintain water features and check for algae
- Prune bamboo to control growth
- Deadhead spent flowers and maintain gravel patterns
Fall
- Enjoy spectacular Japanese maple color (peak mid-October)
- Plant new trees and shrubs before ground freezes
- Remove fallen leaves from ponds and water features
- Prepare water features for winter freezing
- Rake gravel areas and refresh meditation spaces
- Apply winter mulch after ground freezes
Winter
- Appreciate evergreen structure and snow-covered stones
- Maintain pond heaters if keeping koi active
- Plan spring improvements during quiet season
- Prune deciduous trees and shrubs while dormant
- Protect young plants from deer browsing
- Clear snow from pathways for winter garden access
