Proper watering is the most important element to maintain healthy plants. It is most favorable to the plant to water in the morning hours. If this is not possible, sometime in the evening hours after 5 p.m. is the next best time. Please carefully follow the instructions below to ensure the survival of your investment. 

Trees: Soak the root ball of shade and ornamental trees by placing the hose on one side of the tree, about 6” from the trunk. Turn on the hose so that it’s a slow trickle, with just a pencil-thin water stream coming out. Let the hose sit there for about 20 minutes. After that time, move the hose to the opposite side of the tree and let it sit there for another 20 minutes. Do this 2-3 times per week under normal, 70 – 80 degree days, and more often during hotter and drier days.

Shrubs: Soak root ball for 30 seconds to a minute on all sides of the plant, every day for 2 weeks during hot, dry conditions. Cut back to every other day for the following 2 weeks, or during cool or wet periods.

Perennials: Water for 15-45 seconds every day for 2 weeks during hot, dry conditions, or as often as is necessary. During extremely hot, dry conditions watering may be required twice daily. However, under normal conditions once per day is sufficient.

Fertilizing

All plants were fertilized with a slow-release fertilizer upon installation. All fertilizing for trees, shrubs, and perennials should be done in the spring with a slow-release, granular fertilizer. Although it is not necessary for the plant’s survival if it hasn’t been experiencing stressful conditions, it is beneficial until the plant’s root system has become well-established. All annuals should be sprayed with a high-nitrogen liquid fertilizer every three weeks during the growing season.

Pruning

Shrubs and trees will require little to no pruning for the first few growing seasons. However, once pruning becomes necessary, it is recommended to have a professional maintenance company do all trimming and pruning since each species has different pruning requirements. Most perennials should be cut back to 1-2” from the ground in the fall once they have started to die back. Grasses can be cut back to 2-3” from the ground in either late fall/early winter or early spring before the new growth starts to come up.