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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I WATER NEWLY INSTALLED TREES AND SHRUBS?


Make sure new plants get a good soaking twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. Insufficient water during the first season is the number one cause of plant failure. The limited root system of your new plant will cause it to dry out faster than established plants. Extra attention during the first year is a must.
  • Water at the base of the plant- they drink through the root system.
  • Give the plant enough water and at a slow pace. Set the garden hose at a slow trickle and let the water seep in. When the soil is moist to a depth of 4"-6", it’s generally enough. DON'T OVER WATER.
  • Always check soil moisture before watering. Symptoms for over-watering and under-watering can look similar.
  • If you have a concern about a plant, take a sturdy stick and push it into the ground next to the root ball to the approximate bottom of the plant's hole. Pull the stick out and look to see if it is extremely wet or dry.
  • During periods of drought check soil moisture and water more frequently. Remember that 10-15 minute downpours seldom soak the soil and you may need to water even though it just rained.
  • On hot, dry days the best time to water is early morning. If this is not possible, water in the evening. (This applies to lawns and flowerbeds too.)

WHEN SHOULD I FERTILIZE MY NEWLY INSTALLED TREES OR SHRUBS?


Use a root stimulator when you plant. Broadcast fertilizer on top of the soil for spring and fall plantings. A light feeding in the late fall (November) and heavy feeding in the Spring will keep your landscape healthy and vigorous. If needed, you could follow up with a May and June feeding. Use Holly-Tone for acid-loving plants like most evergreens and dogwoods; use Plant-Ton or similar for other garden planting needs.

IS THERE A REGULAR MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE I SHOULD FOLLOW FOR MY LAWN?


Once a year, either in the spring or fall, aerate the soil and overseed the grass for a thick, even turf. Periodically, dethatch so water and fertilizer can easily reach the grass roots. Time spent on these jobs will help keep your lawn looking great.

AERATING:

To break up compacted soil, yearly aerating is recommended. It involves pulling up small plugs of soil. This helps air, water and nutrients get through to the roots of your grass.

OVERSEEDING:

After aerating, you can now sow new seed over existing grass. This will add a new life to your lawn and make a thicker turf. Use half the seed recommended for new lawns.

WHY IS AERATION NECESSARY?


In most home lawns, fertile topsoil may have been removed or buried during excavation of the basement or footings, forcing grass to grow in subsoil that is more compact, higher in clay content and less likely to sustain a healthy lawn.

Walking, playing and mowing will compact soil and stress lawns. Raindrops and irrigation further compact the soil, reducing large air spaces where roots readily grow. Compaction is greatest in the upper 1 to 1-½ inches of soil.
Aeration can help relieve soil compaction, allowing your grass to grow deeper roots and make better use of water and fertilizer.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD LAWNS BE AERATED?


Most lawns benefit from annual aeration. Heavily used lawns, or those growing on heavy clay or subsoils may need more than one aeration each year. Again, turf responds best when tine spacing is closer and penetration is deeper.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I MOW?


Mowing is essential for the health and lush appearance of your lawn. It helps discourage weeds and makes the lawn more resistant to pests.

How often to mow depends on how quickly your grass grows. For best results, grass should be cut often enough that no more than one-third of the total grass height is removed at one time.

The mowing height affects the health and development of the grass. Kept too short, grass will develop a shallower root and become more susceptible to drought and disease. During hot summer months, a taller height will help shade the soil and reduce heat stress on the lawn. As a general guide, Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue lawns should be kept at a height of 2-3 inches and tall fescue lawns at a height of 3 inches.