Watering

• Early morning is the best time to water.
• Thoroughly water plants once or twice a week, applying an average of one inch per week. Adjust schedules based on rainfall.
• Using your fingers, check the soil moisture several inches down prior to watering. Too much or too little water can place stress on the root system.
• Apply water at the base of your plants using a slow trickle from a hose. Consider the size of the plant and root ball when determining amount of watering time per plant.
• Note soil conditions and terrain. Clay soils hold more water than sandy soils, and sloped areas will require more water due to runoff.
• Continue watering your plantings, especially evergreens, until the ground freezes.

Fertility

• Most trees, shrubs and perennials require only an annual feeding.
• Annual flowers require more frequent fertilizing – every two weeks during the growing season.

Weed Control

• As a result of soil disturbance, expect more weeds in your planting beds during the first year of establishment.
• Regularly remove weeds by hand to prevent competition with new plantings.
• For easier removal, weed after rainfall or watering.
• Avoid the application of chemical weed control in or around new plantings.

Pruning/Deadheading

• New plantings should be allowed to establish before significant pruning is done. Remove broken or damaged branches only.
• Spent blossoms on perennials and annuals should be removed to encourage re-blooming.

Pest Control

• Monitor plants regularly for any insect or disease problems.
• Rabbits and deer feed on many new plantings, especially during the winter. Install fencing, netting or apply repellents when necessary.

What to Expect

Be patient, and remember the old adage: "The first year it sleeps; the second year it creeps; the third year it leaps."

Your LandWorks Representative can answer any questions and provide specific plant care recommendations for your property.