Cut back or pinch back (to 6") all relatives of the Chrysanthemum family: Dendranthemum, Nipponanthemum, and Leucanthemum. Cut back all of the members of the Aster family. If you pinch back mums, do so every two weeks until July 4. Other flowering species that can be pinched back to control a more orderly growth habit are: Monarda, Phlox, Boltonia, and Physostegia.

Rub off trunk buds that will create suckers and water sprouts

Prune spring-flowering shrubs after bloom: Deutzia, Forsythia, and all members of the Rhododendron family (that includes the wide assortment of deciduous and evergreen Azaleas.)

Look for lacebug or spider mite damage on Azalea, Pieris japonica, and Aster. Spray them mid- to late May if necessary.

Look for fourlined plant bug, slug and black vine weevil damage.

Look for aphids.