Planting

You can plant container-grown trees during April with good results.

Transplanting

Fall and winter months are when you should transplant trees.

Fertilizing

You can still apply fertilizer during this month.

Pest Control

To prevent pecan trees from the gall-forming insects it is necessary to spray the trees this month since when you see the galls later in the summer it is too late to do anything.

Pruning

Prune spring-flowering trees this month. Prune off any damage that may have occurred to trees. It is best to wait until new growth begins so you can clearly see what is dead and what is alive. Study all your trees for problems that can be corrected by pruning (low branches, dead or rotten branches, branches blocking views, paths)

Water

Although the weather can still be mild it may be necessary to water if we have not received enough rain.

Planting

Purchasing and planting container rose bushes now allows you to pick out the color, shape, fragrance, and size of the flowers you want since most will be blooming.

Transplanting

April is not the best month for transplanting roses.

Fertilizing

If you didn’t fertilize your roses last month do so now.

Pest Control

Do not wait for blackspot to occur before you start a treatment program. Be on the lookout for powdery mildew which appears as a white powdery coating on flower buds, new growth, and leaves. Aphids may be found at this time of year also.

Pruning

Roses are in bloom now and should not be cut back. Deadhead faded flowers by cutting the stems back to the first or second five-leaflet leaf.

Watering

Supplemental water is usually needed this month. The plants need 1 to 1 ½ inches of water weekly.

Planting

This month begins the prime planting season for warm-season grasses which runs until August or September.

Fertilizing

Fertilizer helps produce a lush, vigorous, dark green lawn. Although all lawns will benefit from an application of fertilizer those that have been damaged or are in low vigor certainly should be fertilized.

Pest Control

Apply broadleaf weedkillers now and next month. Read the label since not all are safe for all types of grass. Many products combine several weed control aids in one formulation making them effective in controlling a wide variety of weeds.

Mowing

Make sure your blades are sharp and mow as needed.

Watering

Watch the weather and if it is dry water thoroughly and deeply as needed.

Planting

April is a good month to plant container grown shrubs. It is also the last month that you should plant balled-and-burlapped shrubs. Little time is left for them to make root growth prior to the arrival of hot weather.

Transplanting

Only transplant shrubs when absolutely necessary. If you must transplant make sure to dig as many roots as you can and keep the plants well watered.

Fertilizing

Fertilize your shrubs now if you didn’t do so last month.

Pest Control

Watch for aphids on new growth and flower buds. Look for azalea lacebugs – tiny white spots on the upper surface of the leaves and dar brown specks on the back. Caterpillars will chew holes in new foliage. Powdery mildew may occur if the weather is warm and humid – look for a fine, white powdery coating on the foliage.

Pruning

Prune spring-flowering shrubs anytime after they finish blooming.

Watering

Newly planted shrubs need ½ to 1 inch of rain every 5 – 7 days. If Mother Nature doesn’t supply this amount of rain then it is up to you to do supplemental watering.

Planting

You can plant perennials from seed in containers and transplant them into the garden in the fall or early next spring. This month is a great time to plant perennials.

Transplanting

You can still transplant perennials during this month.

Fertilizing

Fertilize perennials plantings if you have not done so.

Pest Control

Watch out for caterpillars, beetles and aphids. Look for powdery mildew – a white, powdery coating on the leaves of perennials – common disease. Gray mold may attack flowers and foliage during cool, wet weather, causing tissue to brown and rot with a gray fuzzy growth on it.

Pruning

Deadhead regularly to keep plants attractive and in some cases encourage more flowers.

Watering

Deep watering is especially important this time of year if sufficient rain does not fall.

Planting

April can still have some cool weather but most people in East Texas feel the need to plant annuals now – especially after tax day.

Fertilizing

Use soluble fertilizer on annuals planted in containers and in your flower beds.

Pest Control

Watch for holes in leaves caused by hungry caterpillars – treat with a control aid.

Watering

Continue to water beds and pots as needed.