April showers are always welcome to kick start new growth in tandem with temperatures starting to rise. The garden literally awakens this month as consistent daily temperatures become the norm, which in itself bodes well for new growth.

Spring cleaning in all areas should see the garden off to a good start; we have experienced a harsh winter especially during the month of March with considerable amounts of windy conditions and fluctuating temperatures, the need to check for wind damage should therefore be a priority, especially on larger plants and mature trees.

Close inspection of trees now can save much heartache and more importantly cost down the road, as decay is not always obvious from the ground. Decay invariably starts when branches are torn away and incorrect or no attention is given to the injured limb(s); if a torn limb is not correctly treated, it will start to deteriorate with the end result being decay and rot. Such areas become weak points being more vulnerable to break off during high winds. The loss of a mature tree in the landscape creates a void which is difficult to replace with an instant 'fix'; the loss of a major limb will totally alter the trees symmetry and often impact.

The art of pruning would appear to be a mysterious exercise to most landscapers, even perhaps a lost art; the machete syndrome of creating geometric monstrosities is still the fashion of the times, unfortunately to the long term detriment of the plant. Oleander is the most abused followed by Hibiscus and thereafter almost anything else that tries to survive by growing!! Pruning should create shape to allow for future growth for continuing pruning to enhance the shape of the plant as it matures. The aim being an open branch system that allows light and air which will encourage growth on the 'inner' part of the branch system. Constant hacking back to the same cut as previous creates 'broom' type growth and which can create an incubator affect that pests and diseases can thrive in.

April is a good time for transplanting trees and shrubs; especially deciduous trees before they start to leaf; palms are better moved when temperatures rise to a daily constant of sixty five degrees plus. The secret of success when transplanting any plant is more often than not preparation. Plants should be healthy with a good root system and if in leaf should be well watered and an anti-transpirant sprayed on the leaves to avoid stressing the plant. Do a test dig around plants that are intended to be relocated, if there is little soil and the root system is on rock re-consider the exercise. If soil depth is good and based on the size of the plant, which will determine the size of root ball dig a trench around the root zone which is in the proximity of the feeder or outer root zone.

Dig carefully around and under the root creating a 'root ball' which should be wrapped in sacking or a similar material and secured around the trunk of the plant thus supporting the root ball in one piece whilst in the operation of relocating. Prepare the planting hole which should be at least two feet wider and deeper than the root ball; if area for planting is rocky the planting hole should be enlarged accordingly even to the point of being four feet larger all round and the same for depth. Back-fill the hole and tamp down to the correct height for installing root-ball so as soil level of root ball is slightly lower than the grade level of surround soil. Lift the plant carefully, place in the centre of hole ensuring plant is in an upright position hold in place and back fill tamping soil down as you back fill to avoid settlement later on. Water well in and continue to do so until plant can sustain itself on its own roots.

As we have seen during the month of March our weather pattern can swing dramatically from one day to the next, hence caution should be our watchword, planting to early gains us nothing if it is blown 'out of the ground' by a late storm. With the winter winds hopefully now a memory, new plantings can be installed; installation as always is the key to success. Selection of plant material is also very important with several factors being key elements; these being the right plant for the location and a healthy plant with a good root system. Location is important simply because wind and salt spray are our worst enemies followed by shallow soil conditions in many areas. Exposed areas need plants that are tolerant to such conditions, such as Pittosporum tobira, Tamarix gallica - Spruce, Casuarina as a hedge - none better, Borrichia arborecens - Sea-ox-eye amongst others. Always discuss your needs with the nursery personnel especially discuss the location and any other important information, shady areas, rocky ground etc.

Always inspect plants for pest and disease problems and if possible ask to see the root systems - on small pots - as what you don't see can hurt you in the long term, especially if the roots are pot bound. A good root system will under normal conditions encourage good top growth, it is therefore important to install the plant in a large planting hole, especially in rocky areas. I prefer purchasing smaller plants and planting in large holes, than purchasing say a forty five gallon container and having to excavate a massive hole; the smaller plant will grow just as well and often better than the larger plant which could have had some root restriction imposed upon it at some point in its growing period.

Lawns have suffered greatly over the last several months, with weed growth being a major problem, these can be controlled by either granular or liquid means; it is often best to apply both types to obtain a better cross section of weed coverage. Chinch bug has caused much die out on common St. Augustine lawns, most of this happening in January; in severe cases consideration should be given to starting afresh and perhaps with a different grass type. Zoysia lawns are prone to heavy thatch if not regularly verticut, check your lawn for this problem. St. Augustine and Bermuda lawns can also have thatch build up and may require attention.

There is a lot to do in April that will set the garden up for a successful growing season, on the other hand neglect it and you do so at your peril!