Follow these steps to keep your new landscape looking great.
### Sod Care
– Water new sod immediately upon installation and continue watering daily for 10 to 14 days after installation.
– For the first 7-10 days, water sod thoroughly so that you cannot walk on it without sinking in.
– After sod has been established (when it does not pull up when gently tugged) a good watering once or twice a week is preferred over light sprinklings daily.
### Perennial Care
– Perennials need to be watered well immediately after planting. For about 2 weeks after that, you should check plants daily to be sure the ground around them has adequate moisture. WATCH FOR WILTING PLANTS! After that, perennials should be given 1 of water every week (either by rain or you). Let the soil and the plants be your guide!
– Deadheading improves the look of most plants and many perennials will rebloom after the spent flowers are removed.
### Tree & Shrub Care: Deciduous & Evergreen
– Newly planted trees and shrubs should be watered immediately after planting.
– Over the next 2 weeks (or more if necessary), be sure your new tree material gets a minimum of 1 of water every other day. After your plant is established, you will need to supplement its water schedule for the first year. Using 1‐2 of water every 4 to 7 days should be adequate, again either by rainfall or hand watering.
– Newly planted trees require 2‐3 years for their root systems to become fully established. During this time, extra watering and special care are necessary.
– The best way to water your trees and shrubs is the slow‐soak method. This will allow the moisture to go deep to the bottom of the roots. The majority of the water‐absorbing roots are in the top 18 of ground.
### Fertilizing
– Do not fertilize your sod directly after installation. Once well established (we recommend one season), you may follow a regular fertilization program per manufacturer’s directions to keep your lawn lush and weed‐free.
– Perennials need to be well situated in their new environment, at least one year, before attempting to fertilize. After that, if you wish to fertilize your perennials apply a granular (dry) slow‐release fertilizer according to package directions.
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