As temperatures begin rising heading into summer, now is often the last ideal opportunity for harsher pruning on many trees and plants. While pruning is an important part of maintaining healthy landscapes, timing matters more than many homeowners realize. During cooler months and early spring, plants and trees are generally under less stress and are better able to recover from larger cuts or more aggressive shaping. As the weather becomes hotter, plants must focus more energy on managing heat, sun exposure, and water retention. Heavy pruning during extreme heat can place additional stress on the plant and may make it more difficult to maintain overall health and appearance. Some potential issues with harsh pruning during hotter weather include: Increased stress on plants and trees Greater risk of sunburn or sunscald on exposed branches Higher water demand during recovery Slower healing and regrowth Increased vulnerability to pests and disease This time of year, is ideal for evaluating overgrown trees, shrubs, and hedges before peak summer temperatures arrive. Proper pruning can help improve plant structure, airflow, appearance, and long-term health when done correctly and at the right time. At DOV Landscaping, our team can help assess your landscape and determine the best pruning approach to help your plants and trees stay healthy throughout the summer season.
Happy Memorial Day! Thank you for your service. DOV Landscaping PHONE: (707) 758-9428 Email: Admin@dovlandscaping.com
Before planning a landscaping layout, familiarize yourself with the varying shade types. Then, study the shady spots in your backyard to understand what's possible when buying plants. Light/Open Shade This shade is bright and fairly even. It exists in gardens that are directly open to the sky but are affected by shadows from trees, structures, and walls. Partial Shade As the sun moves across the sky, partially shaded areas receive direct sunlight for less than half a day. Partial shade also refers to spots where the sun is blocked during the hottest part of the day. Filtered/Dappled Shade Filtered shade typically applies to areas of your garden situated beneath tree canopies. Some sunlight passes through the leaves, dappling the ground with its rays. These parts of your garden can generally support plants that thrive in partial or light shade. Full/Deep Shade Very little (if any) direct sunlight touches a fully shaded area. The floor of a gazebo or the ground beneath a grove of evergreens is in deep shade. Your foliage options will be limited in these low-light regions. Dry/Wet Shade This is all about soil moisture levels. Dry shade means the soil is dry, and wet shade means it's moist. Dry shade often occurs under large or established trees, where roots suck up most of the water and leave little for new plants. Riverbanks or sunken areas with poor drainage are considered wet shade. Source
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As spring winds down and warmer weather sets in, May is one of the best times to install fresh mulch, not just for appearance, but for long-term performance. Fresh mulch does more than make your yard look clean and polished, it plays an important role in protecting your landscape and reducing maintenance as we head into summer. Key benefits of mulching in May: Locks in moisture: Helps soil retain water as temperatures rise, reducing the need for frequent watering Protects plant roots: Acts as insulation against heat stress during hotter months Reduces weed growth: Blocks sunlight to help prevent weeds before they start Lasts longer when timed right: Installing at the end of the rainy season (May/early June) helps mulch hold up better and perform more effectively Improves curb appeal instantly: Fresh mulch creates clean, defined, professional-looking plant beds Supports healthier plants: Promotes more consistent soil conditions for growth Cuts down on maintenance: Proper prep and installation can reduce upkeep throughout the season Timing and installation matter. When mulch is applied too early, excess moisture can cause it to break down faster. But when installed at the right time, and with proper bed preparation and edging, it not only looks better, it lasts longer and works harder for your landscape. The bottom line: Mulching in May sets your yard up to look great now and stay protected through the months ahead, making it one of the smartest seasonal upgrades you can make. If you want it done right the first time, DOV Landscaping is here to help. From proper bed preparation and clean edging to expert installation at the ideal time of year, our team makes sure your mulch not only looks great, but lasts. Schedule your service today and enjoy a cleaner, sharper landscape all season long.
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