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Landscape Plant Material - Maintenance
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Pruning
- CA native plants are typically pruned in late summer after
they have bloomed. Read “Care & Maintenance of Southern California Native
Plant Gardens" by O’Brien, Landis & Mackey for details on each plant species.
- ‘UC Verde’ Buffalo Grass, planted by plugs, is frequently
cut 3-6 weeks after planting to stimulate plant growth.
- Trees should already have a good framework for proper canopy
growth when you purchase them at the nursery. Also, examine the rootball to
avoid buying trees with girdled roots.
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Plant Disease
- It is important to identify your plants' problem. Is it a result of a nutrient deficiency or a
plant disease? Consult a Master Gardener or landscape professional if you need
help.
- Before pruning, remember to
sterilize your pruning shears to prevent spreading plant diseases.
- Many fungal diseases are the result of
overwatering or overhead irrigation staying on the leaves overnight.
- Reduce
your watering and alter the irrigation schedule to run between 5-10 am.
Proper spacing
- Overcrowding often creates competition among
plants for nutrients in the soil. Sometimes removing a few plants gives others
the room to grow.
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Pests
For tips on combating garden pests using less-toxic methods, consult our topic-specific fact sheets: 
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Find out more about Managing Pests.
Lawn Care
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Last updated: Thursday, 08/04/2011
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Climate-appropriate, drought-tolerant, California-friendly, water-wise: different ways to say the same thing -- choosing the right plant material is an important part of any sustainable landscape.
Learn More.
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A Website for Sore Eyes
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Take a gander at some gorgeous gardens, point and click on the plants you like and - voila! - you tap into a wealth of information on that particular plant species. Click again and you automatically compile a printable list of plants that can easily be handed-off to a landscaper or an attendant at your favorite nursery.
This tool will go a long way in helping you overcome some of the most significant hurdles in getting your sustainable landscape project started.
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