| General Plant Care |
Watering
Providing a consistent water supply to your plants is vital to your new landscape. This is especially true
throughout the first year as will as during periods of drought. To provide adequate water, two thorough
waterings per week should be sufficient. The key word is "thorough" so here are some recommended
methods.
Trees: Turn on your garden hose to a slow trickle and place the end of the hose at the base of
the tree. Allow the water to flow for about 15 to 30 minutes for deep watering.
Shrubs and smaller plants: Turn on the your garden hose to a gentle flow and hold near the
base of the plant for a few minutes. Keep the water flow gentle to prevent damaging fragile
plants or washing away mulch and soil.
Keep in mind it takes about an inch of rain to penetrate six inches of soil. Damp, dreary weather should
not be equated with watering. Water during the day, night time watering increases the possibility of
fungus infestation. It is preferable to water by hand using a garden hose. For larger areas a soaker hose
can be used but it is important the hose be positioned properly around your plants and it may require
being turned on for long periods of time to be fully effective. This would hold true for sprinklers as well.
Whatever methods you choice, watering is very important. Plant warranties are always contingent upon
whether adequate water was provided.
throughout the first year as will as during periods of drought. To provide adequate water, two thorough
waterings per week should be sufficient. The key word is "thorough" so here are some recommended
methods.
Trees: Turn on your garden hose to a slow trickle and place the end of the hose at the base of
the tree. Allow the water to flow for about 15 to 30 minutes for deep watering.
Shrubs and smaller plants: Turn on the your garden hose to a gentle flow and hold near the
base of the plant for a few minutes. Keep the water flow gentle to prevent damaging fragile
plants or washing away mulch and soil.
Keep in mind it takes about an inch of rain to penetrate six inches of soil. Damp, dreary weather should
not be equated with watering. Water during the day, night time watering increases the possibility of
fungus infestation. It is preferable to water by hand using a garden hose. For larger areas a soaker hose
can be used but it is important the hose be positioned properly around your plants and it may require
being turned on for long periods of time to be fully effective. This would hold true for sprinklers as well.
Whatever methods you choice, watering is very important. Plant warranties are always contingent upon
whether adequate water was provided.
Mulching
Mulching is an important step in the landscaping process. Mulch not only adds aesthetic appeal, it also
helps the soil retain moisture which is beneficial to your plants. Mulch also helps keep the soil cool in the
summer and warm in the winter. During the initial installation we apply about a 3" thick layer of mulch. A
general rule is to reapply a fresh layer of mulch each spring. If you choose to apply mulch yourself be
sure not to bury any lower limbs or apply to much around the stem of the plant. A depth of about one to
two inches for repeat applications is adequate.
To minimize weed growth, an application of a pre-emergent weed killer is recommended prior to
mulching. Pre-emergent weed killers prevent new weed seeds from germinating. It does not work on
existing weeds which can be controlled with products such as Round-up. Just remember, when applying
any products be sure to thoroughly read and follow all manufacturer's directions.
It is sometimes asked whether it is necessary to agitate the current mulch before applying a fresh coat.
If your mulch has formed an exceptionally hard crust then breaking it up would be advisable to assure
water absorption.
helps the soil retain moisture which is beneficial to your plants. Mulch also helps keep the soil cool in the
summer and warm in the winter. During the initial installation we apply about a 3" thick layer of mulch. A
general rule is to reapply a fresh layer of mulch each spring. If you choose to apply mulch yourself be
sure not to bury any lower limbs or apply to much around the stem of the plant. A depth of about one to
two inches for repeat applications is adequate.
To minimize weed growth, an application of a pre-emergent weed killer is recommended prior to
mulching. Pre-emergent weed killers prevent new weed seeds from germinating. It does not work on
existing weeds which can be controlled with products such as Round-up. Just remember, when applying
any products be sure to thoroughly read and follow all manufacturer's directions.
It is sometimes asked whether it is necessary to agitate the current mulch before applying a fresh coat.
If your mulch has formed an exceptionally hard crust then breaking it up would be advisable to assure
water absorption.
There is no need to fertilize immediately after your landscape installation. A rich nutrient-dense compost
is used during planting to enrich the soil. When fertilizer is applied, it is best to fertilize prior to the hot
summer weather or wait until fall. Fertilizers formulated for spring use prioritize greening while fall
formulas prioritize root growth. There are products, however, which can be used at either time but the
amount recommended for the fall is usually less. It is important to follow all manufacturers directions
closely and accurately when applying fertilizer. Be sure to select an acidic fertilizer for your evergreens
and a more neutral fertilizer for your deciduous plants. Fertilizer containers usually provide a list of the
plants for which that product is used for. A few examples are Miracle Gro (all purpose), Miracid (acidic),
and Holly Tone (acidic). Fertilizers can also be applied in a variety of methods such as sprinkling granules
around the plants, mixing with water in a watering can, a hose-end sprayer that mixes and applies as you
water or fertilizer stakes inserted into the ground, to name a few. It is important you understand how your
fertilizer is to be applied to ensure you have the proper equipment needed. If your plants are not
responsive to a consistent water supply and fertilization then other factors may be causing poor plant
growth. In this case seek professional help. Garden centers usually have people on staff who can
identify plant problems and recommend remedies
is used during planting to enrich the soil. When fertilizer is applied, it is best to fertilize prior to the hot
summer weather or wait until fall. Fertilizers formulated for spring use prioritize greening while fall
formulas prioritize root growth. There are products, however, which can be used at either time but the
amount recommended for the fall is usually less. It is important to follow all manufacturers directions
closely and accurately when applying fertilizer. Be sure to select an acidic fertilizer for your evergreens
and a more neutral fertilizer for your deciduous plants. Fertilizer containers usually provide a list of the
plants for which that product is used for. A few examples are Miracle Gro (all purpose), Miracid (acidic),
and Holly Tone (acidic). Fertilizers can also be applied in a variety of methods such as sprinkling granules
around the plants, mixing with water in a watering can, a hose-end sprayer that mixes and applies as you
water or fertilizer stakes inserted into the ground, to name a few. It is important you understand how your
fertilizer is to be applied to ensure you have the proper equipment needed. If your plants are not
responsive to a consistent water supply and fertilization then other factors may be causing poor plant
growth. In this case seek professional help. Garden centers usually have people on staff who can
identify plant problems and recommend remedies
Pruning
As part of the design process, we make a strong effort to choose plants best suited for the area in which
they are to be planted by taking into account sun requirements, soil, bloom time, size, etc.. The ultimate
size of the plant is important in minimizing the amount of pruning and trimming that will be needed as the
plant grows. Therefore, heavy pruning, in most cases, should not be needed. Light pruning and trimming
to maintain a desired shape or appearance should be all thats necessary. Pruning, generally speaking, is
done as the growing season is winding down. The majority of our pruning is done between mid-July and
November. It is true that certain plants have a more ideal time of year for pruning. Rhododendrons, for
example, should be pruned after blooming and before new buds begin to form. Perennials can be cut
back late in the fall or in early spring before new growth begins. This also applies to ornamental grasses.
Numerous pruning and trimming tools are available. Be sure, when purchasing tools, to choose the right
one for the job to avoid damaging your plants. A good garden center or hardware store can help you. It is
important to understand a plants growth habit to achieve aesthetically pleasing results. There are many
how-to books on the market that explain, in detail, proper pruning methods. If your pruning and trimming
seems overwhelming, especially for older, more established landscaping, seeking professional help is
recommended.
they are to be planted by taking into account sun requirements, soil, bloom time, size, etc.. The ultimate
size of the plant is important in minimizing the amount of pruning and trimming that will be needed as the
plant grows. Therefore, heavy pruning, in most cases, should not be needed. Light pruning and trimming
to maintain a desired shape or appearance should be all thats necessary. Pruning, generally speaking, is
done as the growing season is winding down. The majority of our pruning is done between mid-July and
November. It is true that certain plants have a more ideal time of year for pruning. Rhododendrons, for
example, should be pruned after blooming and before new buds begin to form. Perennials can be cut
back late in the fall or in early spring before new growth begins. This also applies to ornamental grasses.
Numerous pruning and trimming tools are available. Be sure, when purchasing tools, to choose the right
one for the job to avoid damaging your plants. A good garden center or hardware store can help you. It is
important to understand a plants growth habit to achieve aesthetically pleasing results. There are many
how-to books on the market that explain, in detail, proper pruning methods. If your pruning and trimming
seems overwhelming, especially for older, more established landscaping, seeking professional help is
recommended.
Spraying and Pest Control
Your landscaping should be inspected periodically for insect infestations or other potentially damaging
conditions. This should be done monthly in order to spot problems early, especially during the spring and
summer when insects are more prevalent. You may even wish to initiate a maintenance program with a
company specializing in pest control. Unchecked, insect infestations can result in extensive damage to
your landscape and jeopardize your plant warranty. If you are unable to diagnose an insect or disease
problem, most garden centers can help if they are provided with a sample to examine. A sample can
include the actual insect thats causing the damage or a leaf or twig that best shows the disease problem.
Be sure to provide a good sample and as much information as possible so a proper diagnosis can be
determined. If you choose to treat your landscape yourself be sure to follow all the manufacturer's
directions and safety instructions exactly for the products you are using.
conditions. This should be done monthly in order to spot problems early, especially during the spring and
summer when insects are more prevalent. You may even wish to initiate a maintenance program with a
company specializing in pest control. Unchecked, insect infestations can result in extensive damage to
your landscape and jeopardize your plant warranty. If you are unable to diagnose an insect or disease
problem, most garden centers can help if they are provided with a sample to examine. A sample can
include the actual insect thats causing the damage or a leaf or twig that best shows the disease problem.
Be sure to provide a good sample and as much information as possible so a proper diagnosis can be
determined. If you choose to treat your landscape yourself be sure to follow all the manufacturer's
directions and safety instructions exactly for the products you are using.
The information above should only be used as a general guide. There is plenty of good, useful advice out
there so be sure to educate yourself to ensure you can properly care for and maintain your new
landscape investment.
there so be sure to educate yourself to ensure you can properly care for and maintain your new
landscape investment.
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Fertilizing
