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How do I maintain my new paver patio and walk ways?
You will need to add sand into all the joints once or twice a year. Sealing the brick is optional. If you seal the brick, it will help protect the sand and pavers from the elements as well as enhance the color of the brick. However, you should wait a year before the pavers are sealed.
You can find a new product called Super Sand! also called SuperSand BondTM it’s a mix of graded sand and binder, specially formulated for the filling of narrow or wide joints when installing slabs or paving stones. When combined with water, the sand sets, yet allows for movement of paving units without cracking. Once cured, it resists insects and weed growth and erosion. SuperSand BondTM is ideal for stabilizing horizontal or sloping installations, and can be used with driveways, patios, pool decks, pedestrian ways, store fronts, parking lots, etc. http://www.opwdecks.com/storefront.htm
How do I over winter my perennials?
Most perennials just need to be mulched over for the winter. Use material like straw, pine needles or evergreen bough to cover once the ground freezes. This will stop the ground from thawing out and heaving the plants out of the ground. In the spring, pull the mulch back and prune out the dead stems down to where you see new growth.
Do I really need to mulch and what is the best type?
Mulching has several functions: keeps soil moist, prevents compaction of soil, decreases weeds and helps keep trimmers and mowers away from the plant material. Shredded hardwood is one of the best mulches to use and one of the most cost effective to install.
What plants are hardy for this area?
For trees, you can plant maples, amelanchiers, flowering pears, lindens and locusts. For shrubs, boxwoods, yews, arborvitae, hydrangea, spirea and weigela work really well. Rhododendron and azaleas are not as hardy in Michigan, so they require a lot more attention to keep alive.
When is the best time to plant trees?
Any time from the spring to the fall is a good time to plant deciduous trees in Michigan. Evergreen trees should be planted from spring to Nov. 1st. The key to tree survival is care. Trees need watering and fertilizing on a regular basis to ensure survival.
When should I fertilize my trees/shrubs?
The type of fertilizer you use will determine the time and amount of fertilizer needed. A slow time-release fertilizer like Osmacote should be applied once in the spring and again in the summer. Other fertilizers should be applied according to the package directions starting in the spring once new growth has begun.
How can I stop deer from eating my shrubs/perennials?
The best solution is to install plants that they do not like as well as others. If they are hungry, deer will feed on just about anything. Shrubs like boxwood and hydrangea will be ignored in favor of yews and cedar. There are also several chemicals such as “Liquid Fence” and “Hinder” that work relatively well. However, they are time consuming to put on and cost quite a bit.
How often should I water my new trees/shrubs?
Watering will depend upon Mother Nature. If the temperature is less than 85 degrees, plants should be watered once a week for about 20 minutes. If the temperature is higher, then 2-3 times per week may be necessary. Perennials should be watered several times per week.
When should I prune my trees?
Most trees should be pruned in the spring before growth begins. Oaks should only be pruned from November to March to protect against the spread of oak wilt.
Ask Murray...
For years, Metro Detroit has relied on Murray Gula and his firsthand knowledge of home improvement. Now Murray has brought together a team to help you with your home improvement problems. To find someone who can help, select a category from the list on the left, or click here to ask Murray a question!
