Normally, I write articles with suggestions on what gardeners should do, but this article is dedicated to what not to do in August.

Summer is not a good time to plant balled and burlapped and container-grown trees. Wait until late fall/winter when you will have better success.

Summer is not the time to prune tree limbs. If there is a broken branch, however, remove the limb (including the jagged break or split) with a clean cut.

Do not prune spring-flowering evergreens like azalea, camellia and early-flowering cultivars of rhododendron (those which bloomed in April and May). 

They have started setting flower buds for next spring’s blossoms. Pruning will reduce or remove next year’s flowering potential.

Do not fertilize spring-flowering shrubs like azalea, camellia and viburnum (you will disturb bud formation), or broadleaf evergreens like Burford Holly and Box Leaf Hollies in July.

Do not fertilize spring-flowering shrubs like Althaea, Butterfly Bush or Hydrangea because you might disturb the bloom. Summer-flowering shrubs are fertilized in the early spring before their growth spurt begins. However, you may fertilize any which are off-color and showing signs of fertilizer deficiency.

Summer is not a good time to plant bare-root plants such as roses.

Wait until the late fall/winter when you won’t shock the plant as much.

After reading this article you may ask, what can be done in the landscape this time of year — cut grass.

For more information on your landscape care, contact the Dawson County Extension Office at (706) 265-2442.

Clark Beusse is the Dawson County extension agent.