New Home Care Guide

Taking Care of Your New Sod WATERING

- TIP - We cannot stress enough that over-watering is the #1 killer of trees and shrubs.

• Trees that are not under irrigation should be monitored and depending on rainfall should be watered approximately once per week. Once established, most trees do not need any additional watering, rainfall is generally enough.

• Shrubs not covered by irrigation (like shrubs close to foundation) need to be hand watered on an “as needed” basis. In a typical summer this would be 2 times per week. • Trees and shrubs covered by irrigation systems do not need to be manually watered but should be monitored on a once per week basis. FERTILIZING • Trees and shrubs were installed with a slow release fertilizer and will not need any additional fertilization the first year. After the first year you may want to apply a slow release fertilizer in the spring making sure to not over- or under-fertilize. ADDITIONAL TIPS • Pruning your trees and shrubs will not only make them more attractive, but if done properly will aid in their health and growth. Two trimmings per year are recommended, once in the spring and once in late fall. • There are certain species of trees and shrubs that can only be pruned in the late summer, fall, or winter. For example, oak trees must be pruned in the wintertime. Check your varieties before pruning. • Use the proper tools for pruning. For example, sharp hand shears, loppers and/or pruning saw. Hedge shears work very well for most shrubs. • Winter stress can damage your plants and even cause death. It is recommended to wrap all smooth-barked trees with tree wrap each fall until the tree is established. Make sure to remove tree wrap each spring or this could lead to other problems. • It is also recommended to protect south and west facing evergreens with burlap or other means that shield from winter burn. If winter burn occurs and is not too severe, pruning will often help the appearance and health of the plant. AND FINALLY We hope that you will find this information helpful and that you will have a healthy and beautiful lawn. Following are a few websites that may provide you with additional information: