Care Tips for Landscaping
Newly planted trees require adequate water. For the first two weeks, water each tree thoroughly every 2 days in hot weather or 4 days in cool weather, depending on temperature, wind or rain conditions. Do this by allowing water to run from the garden hose at low pressure near the base of each plant, until the soil is loose and muddy. This may be take about 15-20 minutes for each tree.
Newly planted shrubs require adequate water. For the first two weeks, water each shrub thoroughly every 2 days in hot weather or 4 days in cool weather, depending on temperature, wind or rain conditions. Do this by hand watering with a hose (no attachment) near the base of each plant, until the soil is loose and muddy. This may be take about 3-5 minutes for each shrub.
Newly planted perennials require adequate water. For the first two weeks, water each perennial thoroughly every 2 days in hot weather or 4 days in cool weather as needed, depending on temperature wind or rain conditions. Do this by hand watering with a hose (no attachment) near the base of each plant, until the soil is loose and muddy. This may be take about 1-3 minutes for each perennial.
After the initial two-week period, water plants on an as needed basis. You will want to check the soil near the plants by lightly digging with your hand. The soil should be moist, not muddy or too dry. If the soil is dry, give the plants a thorough soaking. This may be every 5-10 days, depending on weather conditions.
Some soils drain quickly while others drain slowly. Too much water can kill a plant as does too little. Plants with wilted leaves are showing signs of stress that may be from either cause. Be aware that soil coverings such as fabric with stone or bark help to retain moisture. You will need to check the soil beneath these materials. The easiest way to do this is near the base of a plant where a slice was made for the plant to fit through the fabric. Check your plants once a week for the first year.
Allow the roots and soil to dry SLIGHTLY between waterings. Lawn sprinkler systems may over water new plants. Watering in the morning is the best time of the day. Some plants require more water like Birch, Willow, Hydrangea, Dogwood, Ninebark & Potentilla. It may take up to two seasons for new plants to establish enough roots where supplemental watering isn’t needed. Over & under watering plants will void any warranty.
WATERING:
Provide water by sprinkling once or twice a day to keep the top layer of soil constantly moist. Avoid standing water. Keep traffic off the area as much as possible. If a mulch material was used, be sure to re-cover any areas that may have become bare due to wind, rain or traffic. Once grass appears (7-14 days) allow the soil surface to dry out slightly between waterings; this may be every other day or so. Due to wind sun and shade some areas may need more or less attention than others. By 4-5 weeks you new lawn will only require water twice a week.
Keep young grass moist in hot and windy weather. These conditions can destroy a newly seeded lawn.
Use a new lawn starter fertilizer when you new lawn is about 4 weeks old. Fertilize every 6 weeks with a quality fertilizer thereafter.
Weeds will also grow in a new lawn. Do not attempt to spray herbicide on the weeds until the lawn has been mowed for the third time. Herbicide may kill the new grass.
It takes a minimum of a year of quality care to turn a newly seeded lawn into a sod-like lawn. It will take longer yet if the new lawn does not receive proper water, fertilization and weed control.
Thin areas in the lawn will thicken with time & quality care. Bare spots will need to be reseeded. Call for an evaluation.
MOWING:
Mowing your newly seeded lawn can take place as soon as possible. For the first year of your new seed, mow it at your lawn mowers highest setting. Keep lawn mower blades sharp, and mow often enough so that you’re not removing more than 1/3 of the height.
Normally the straw and/or netting can be left in place. However, if any straw or netting has bunched up, it should be removed before mowing. The netting is easily removed with a sharp utility knife.
The lawn will need to dry out for a few days before you mow so you don’t rut the lawn. Grass clippings should be left on the lawn, unless they’re excessive.
The initial watering of the sod will require a very thorough soaking. Water should be applied until all areas are soaked to a soil depth of about 2 inches. Then provide daily watering of approximately ¼ inch of water until the sod has established its root system (approximately 2 weeks). Narrow strips of sod and edge areas such as along curbs, drives, and walks may need extra attention to prevent drying out. IF YOU DO NOT WATER ENOUGH, THE SOD WILL SHRINK AND/OR DIE. You need to water enough to maintain a lush green color and yet not remain soggy for extended periods of time.
Sod that is fading or graying in color is not receiving adequate water. During very hot or windy weather, try to keep water on the sod during the worst parts of the day to help counteract the effects of the sun and wind. Evening watering is less desirable as it may promote disease. After about 2-2 ½ weeks, watering should be cut back to twice a week or as needed to keep it green and lush.
Your new sod should be mowed after approximately 10 days and be kept mowed thereafter. The lawn will need to dry out for a few days before you mow so you don’t rut the lawn. Grass clippings should be left on the lawn unless they’re excessive.
