New Landscape Care

​Street Trees:

Homeowners are responsible for the maintenance of the trees in the tree plots in front of their homes. Water weekly and water deeply. The first two years are very important in order to establish the trees’ root systems.

​Fertilizer:

Root Stimulator or Osmocote is the only recommended fertilizer for newly planted trees and shrubs. Use Root Stimulator three times at four week intervals. Follow provided instructions for application.

In the spring of the year after planting, fertilize all non-flowering plants with tree & shrub granular fertilizer. For best results repeat procedure one month later.

The year after planting flowering shrubs, fertilize with either Azalea or flowering shrub food, after they flower. To ensure flowering, 30% phosphate should be added to flowering plants before they flower, in the early spring.

When plants are established, apply fertilizer from trunk to drip line of the plant and water in immediately. Never fertilize plants int he fall! Spring and early summer only! Often, Root Stimulator can improve a plant that appears “sick”.

​General:

Once plants are established, they become more self sufficient, hardy, and drought resistant. The first two years are the critical period. If you want your plants to flourish and not just survive, they require care and maintenance

Dogwood Trees:

Proper watering of dogwood trees is important. Dogwoods like cool moist roots, so keep mulched nicely, but keep mulch away from the trunk of the tree. Dogwoods need an equivalent of 1″ of rain weekly during the summer months, so water as needed. Do not over water as the soil will not allow roots to breathe.  Many fungal and bacterial problems can arise in overly wet soil. A balanced tree fertilizer should be applied in April. Water in fertilizer thoroughly.

Weed Control:

Hand weeding is of course the most environmentally friendly method, however, Dacthal or Preen may be applied as a pre-emergence week killer in mulch beds. For an effective non-chemical solution, use a vinegar, salt and dish soap solution. Apply as directed in early March, late May, and early August.

Pruning:

Trim plants as desired, or as recommended by reference materials for each plant type. Generally, prune flowering plants after they flower, or you may cut off the bud or flower. Prune evergreens only after the new growth has appeared. On yews, boxwoods, and holly, prune ofter and heavily to promote compact and thick growth.

Winter Protection:

An anti-desiccant such as Wilt Pruf should be applied on evergreen plants. Plants can dry out and die in the winter due to dry AND windy conditions. Some watering during these times on evergreens can be very important.

Warranty:

All trees and shrubs carry a one year warranty for one time replacement to -20 degree Fahrenheit, provided they have been properly cared for as outlined. However, no warranty is given for the labor of replacement or herbaceous perennials. Our area is in temperature zone 5, which means that all plants planted are hardy in this area to -20 degrees. Many plants used are zone 3 & 4 plants, and can survive temperature extremes to -40 degrees. We refrain from planting zone 6 plants due to the possibility of serious winter damage or death.

Remember, your plants need special attention for at least 2 to 3 years until they firmly take root and can become tolerant to temperatures and weather extremes. After that, spring feeding and periodic watering during the hot and dry season will be all that is necessary. This, along with shearing or pruning, and your plants should flourish for years to come.