Landscape Questions

1. When and how often should I water my newly installed landscape?

Trees and shrubs should be slowly soaked to a depth of 4 inches, which is about an inch of water per week. This is necessary during the first year or two. Let the hose run slowly at the base of the tree or shrub until the water has penetrated to the root depth. Too much water can be a problem. Also, frequent light watering is not as good as a thorough soaking once per week. Even established trees and shrubs need to be watered during a drought.

The tree or shrub needs more water when:

• Newly planted or transplanted

• The weather is hot and dry

• The weather is windy

• Wilting is noticed

• Planted on a slope

• Planted in sandy soils

The tree and shrub needs less water when:

• We are experiencing cool to freezing temperatures

• The tree or shrub is planted in poorly drained clay soil. It may take days for a watering application to percolate down away from the root ball in some soils

• The deciduous tree or shrub is in a dormant phase

• The shrub is a Taxus or Yew

• The tree or shrub is located in a low area or swale

2. How long do I keep the stake on my tree?

One Full Year-Reference

3. Frost, What should I do?

Cover plants with sheet , cloth or newspaper (not plastic) Remove once threat of frost has expired.

4. When should I trim my shrubs?

Flowering Shrubs – After they bloom for the last time. Evergreen Shrubs – After flush of new growth usually June/July

5. When should I prune my trees?

Hardwood trees without flowers in the dormant season. Trees with early Spring flowers, immediately after flowering. Late summer/fall flowers during dormant season.

6. When should I cut back my grasses?

As early as late fall. If desired you can keep it through the winter and cut it in late February or early March. Trim low to the ground and in a dome shape.

7. How much mulch is necessary?

No more than 2-3 inches in total (if it is a new install) away from woody plants to prevent decay. If an existing bed, you should only add mulch to bring depth to 2-3 inches.

8. Should I fertilize new installation?

Not in the first year, we recommend you fertilize new tree and shrubs during Spring following 1 year anniversary.

9. When do I plant perennial bulbs?

Late September to Mid November. After the first frost.

10. When is the best time to plant trees?

Fall, when they are dormant. However, trees providing they are pre dug can be planted year round. You do not want to dig a tree when the leaves are out due to transplant shock.