Premier Landscape Contractor
Helpful Gardening Hints for Homeowners
Commonly asked questions:
Q. How do I cut back my grasses and how?
A. The easiest way to cut back your ornamental grasses is to tie string around them and cut entire clump
down to 2-4" above ground level in late April or early May. This may be done with hedging shears (manual
or electric) or a pair of sharp hand pruners. This needs to be done every year. They can be cut back later if
you miss this window, but the new shoots will already be coming up through the dead material.
Q. When do I cut back my roses and how far should I cut them back?
A. Some people prefer to do it in the fall, but it isn't necessary. By late April/ beginning of May, your roses
should naturally "green up". What this means is if you look at the canes you should see the stems are green a
portion of the way up, and then above that point is brown and dead. This is the plant's natural way of telling
you how far to cut it back. You should always cut just above a node (where a leaf attaches to the stem) and on
an angle towards the outside of the shrub. (If a cane is brown all the way down cut it back all the way.)
Q. When should I remove leaves and mulch from around my plants?
A. Wait until the end of April or early May, don't let warm days in March or early April tempt you. Chicagoland
weather can change at any time as we all well know, and leaves and mulch help protect emerging shoots
from late season frosts.
Dutch Barn Landscaping is one of the premier landscape design contractors in the south suburban Chicago area. Envision the residential landscaping ideas that our licensed landscape architect and design team can create for your home. With over 60 years combined experience in the landscaping industry, we will expertly create unique and innovative designs that will extend your living areas outdoors, while providing a singular statement of excellence.
At Dutch Barn, we take great pride in transforming your individual needs and desires into beautiful, sustainable living areas.
- Landscape architecture design and installation
- Brick paving- cleaning and sealing
- Outdoor kitchens, fireplaces and firepits
- Natural stone work including flagstone and bluestone
- Functional and decorative retaining walls
- Water features including ponds, pondless waterfalls, and a wide assortment of decorative fountains and bubblers
- Site development
- Green Options- including Rain Gardens, Rain Barrels, Water Harvesting Systems, Permeable and Composite Pavers
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