Pruning trees and shrubs

Damage to Trees and Shrubs

When you are outside, look around to assess the damage to trees and shrubs caused by the heavy snow and rabbit damage. The biggest mistake is cutting at the point of the damage and leaving the rest of the stump.

Coming up is the time for pruning shrubs and trees are coming up, from the end of March through April. The main thing for pruning this year is removing rabbit damage. If the chewing is around the whole branch or cane, any part above the damage will die creating a place for insects and diseases to enter the plant. So remove the area above the damage or remove the cane to the ground. Next, remove the broken or bent canes and branches that probably were damaged in the heavy snow.

For shrubs that are established, the 1/3 rule applies. Remove 1/3 of the older canes or branches. This causes a rejuvenation in the plant to produce young, healthy growth. Then you can lightly tip prune to retain the shrub’s height and width. Also, remove any branches that are rubbing each other and any suckers popping up.

If the shrub is totally damaged from this winter or has just been neglected for years, you can remove the overgrowth down to six to twelve inches above the ground. Shrubs that respond to this are spirea, honeysuckle, lilac, weigela, viburnums that produce multiple canes (shoots), and potentilla.

If you have shrubs that bloom in the spring on old wood like lilac, wait till the plant gets done blooming. Just remove the damaged and broken canes.

You can thin out the shrubs if overgrown. Make your cuts on a 45-degree angle to shed water above an outward-facing bud so the new growth grows out from the plant and not inward.

For Tea, Floribunda, Grandiflora, and other shrub roses the pruning is similar for all shrubs:

  • Start at the bottom of the bush and work up pruning the dead growth off. You will see the green lower cane becoming brown.
  • I use an anvil hand pruner for most of the jobs.
  • Then cut at a 45-degree angle, about 1/4-inch above buds that face away from the center of the bush. Your goal is to open up the center, so the plants get plenty of sunlight and good air circulation.
  • Remove any shriveled, diseased, or broken stems and other wood. Cut off twigs or branches that rub across or cross each other. 
  • Leave three to five strong, healthy branches, each 6 to 8 inches long, when cutting back hybrid tea roses. Leave eight to 10 branches on floribundas, each 8 to 12 inches long. 
  • Remove any suckers; these are stems that sprout from the roots below the graft (a swollen area on the stem).
  • Walk around the plant to ensure that your bush has an even shape. 

The best pruner to use is an anvil hand pruner or an anvil looper for the larger branches.

Rentals

8 Ways to Make Your Rental Property More Attractive to Quality Tenants by Karyn Winrich

If you own a rental property, it’s important to keep it updated and attractive to attract quality tenants. There are several steps you can take that will help make your rental property stand out from the competition. From fresh paint and new appliances to energy-efficient upgrades and smart technology, here are eight ways to make your rental property more attractive to quality tenants, courtesy of Shippy Realty and Auction.

Adding Fresh Paint

One of the quickest and easiest ways to spruce up your rental property is with a fresh coat of paint. A neutral color palette like whites, beiges, and grays is safe to bet since it appeals to many different tastes. You could even go with an accent wall in one of the rooms if you want to add some personality to your rental.

Replacing Appliances

Old or broken appliances are a surefire turn-off for prospective renters, so it’s important to make sure all of the appliances in your rental are working properly and look nice. This includes everything from the refrigerator, dishwasher, washers, and dryer. If possible, replace any outdated models with modern energy-efficient versions so that you can charge higher rental rates due to lower utility costs for tenants.

Deep Cleaning

No matter what improvements you make, they won’t have much impact if the property isn’t clean when potential renters come by for a showing. Hire a professional cleaning service if necessary or take on the task yourself if you have the time. Just make sure every inch of the place is spotless before anyone sees it!

Installing Smart Technology

Smart technology can go a long way toward making your rental property stand out from the crowd. Consider installing things like voice-activated lighting controls, programmable thermostats, automated window treatments, as well as security systems that allow tenants to control their locks remotely via smartphone or tablet device.

Making Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Installing energy-efficient upgrades such as LED light bulbs and low-flow shower heads will not only appeal to eco-conscious renters but also help save them money on their monthly utility bills over time. These types of upgrades may cost more upfront, but they will pay off in the long run by helping reduce operational costs while increasing tenant satisfaction levels at the same time.

Updating Flooring With Modern Materials

Outdated flooring can give prospective renters an unfavorable impression of your rental property right away, so consider replacing any old carpets or worn-out linoleum with modern materials like hardwood floors, laminate flooring, tile, etc. Doing so will instantly give your space a modern feel without breaking the bank in the process!

Marketing Your Rental

Once you’ve made all these improvements don’t forget about marketing them! Leverage powerful online platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Airbnb, or use listing services like Craigslist. Show off what makes your property stand out from its rivals.

You might also consider putting together a PDF that contains information on your rental, as well as photos. Your best bet is to start in Word, then save it as a PDF that you can then share online. If you need to make any changes once you’ve saved it as a PDF, no need to start over; the best solution is to take advantage of a quick PDF editing tool that you can use for free.

Protecting Yourself With an LLC

Finally, don’t forget about protecting yourself legally when renting out properties by forming an LLC (limited liability company). An LLC helps separate personal assets from business assets while also providing limited liability protection in case of litigation against you, a must-have for any serious investor looking into buying rentals. You can form an LLC on your own or let a formation service take care of it.

Renting out properties is no easy feat; there’s a lot involved in keeping them maintained and attractive enough that prospective renters want to live there! However, by taking care of small details such as updating appliances, adding fresh paint colors throughout the space, and protecting yourself legally with an LLC, you will be able to find greater success when renting out properties!

Karyn Winrich is a personal accountant with over 20 years of experience in the field. She believes that with some strategic planning, anyone can take charge of their financial wellness. She created Financial-Literacy to offer helpful and practical advice to people from all walks of life to establish a more financially secure present and future.

If you’re looking for a licensed, experienced real estate company in Winner, South Dakota, look no further than Shippy Realty and Auction! We do it all. Call 605-842-3212.

Funny Garden Moments

Do you love any plants that are weeds?

Do you love any plants that are weeds? The definition of a weed is a plant growing out of place.

 A very long time ago, I planted a wildflower mix which did well for the first two years. Then the patch gradually died away to dogs, grass, and sumac that took over. I still notice some yarrow growing through the grass (green ferny foliage with white flowers) which I mow around.

In the annual flowerbed, there is a loosestrife plant which you can not buy in most states because they overgrow in wetlands. I leave it because it is very attractive and has never set any seed and you can not call this area a wetland. Loosestrife could never compete with the cattails anyways.

There is a boxelder tree growing in a spreading juniper that I left. We do not have any boxelder trees around for miles. This one is a male, so no bugs. Also, the yellow-leaf elderberry plant sprang up the pathway to the house. I will leave that one also. Plus, the honeysuckle that is growing on one end of the lilacs.

Under the tamarisk tree is a gooseberry plant that planted itself a couple of years ago producing loads of gooseberries. When I was in high school, we had a gooseberry patch that gave out 40-plus years ago.

These volunteer plants started with no help from me. No extra watering, fertilizing, or maintenance. They go stronger and more vigorous than the plants and shrubs I spend years caring for. So, why not give them a chance?