General Plant Care Instructions and Tips

Remember that plants are living and require special care. Once we have installed your landscape, you have the responsibility for the continued health and vigor of the planting. Failure to properly maintain your new plantings will void your 1 Year Warranty that accompanies your new landscaping. The following general instructions will help you to maintain and enjoy your investment.

Watering Instructions for your plants:

• Check all plants weekly. Check newly planted trees and shrubs every few days for the first two weeks. Annuals and Perennials more often, thereafter, every week to 10 days. Simply dig around the root zone with your fingers to a depth of 2-3" for small plant and 6-8" for larger ones and trees. Water generously when the soil feels dry to the touch.
• Slow, deep watering is preferred. This type of watering is accomplished by placing the hose at the base of a plant, at a heavy trickle, and water 5-10 minutes for small plants – longer for larger plants while moving the hose in a few locations around the plant.
• When the soil feels moist do not water. Soil must be allowed to dry out between waterings. If a plant is maintained in constantly moist soil, the plant’s health will deteriorate over time. A plant weakened by over watering may die of oxygen deprivation or become susceptible to pest and disease. For this reason, lawn irrigation systems if not designed correctly, can be hazardous to ornamental plantings.
• Monitoring water requirements frequently is more important than watering frequently. Monitor your plants’ water requirements for at least the first two to three years. Plants close to buildings where heat may reflect and plants under roof eaves require closer monitoring. During the hot summer months and early fall disregard natural rainfall. Often, rain received during these periods produces mostly runoff and contributes little, if any, to increasing ground moisture.
• Maintain a 2 in. mulch layer to help conserve ground moisture, prevent weeds and retain moisture. Remember, excess amounts of mulch will result in poor air circulation and reduce plant vigor.

Fertilization for your plants:

• Cedar Run Landscaping fertilizes at planting so generally no fertilizer is necessary for the first year. In subsequent years, we recommend using a balanced (i.e., 10-10-10, 14-14-14) plant food (preferably with micro nutrients). Be sure to follow the instructions on the label. If you have any questions on specific requirements please call us.

Protecting your plants from pests:

• Your plants are guaranteed to be free from pests and diseases upon installation. We use plant varieties that are disease and pest resistant whenever possible. As a secondary control, our plant material is closely monitored and turned over rapidly so you benefit by receiving the freshest and healthiest plants available.
• Be observant of changes in plant vigor and growth. Plants are more susceptible to disease and pests if they are weakened through poor maintenance practices such as over or under watering. If you make it a practice to walk the landscape and be observant of your plants’ progress, you will spot symptoms of disease or insect infestations well in advance of any serious problems.

Pruning your plants:

• Pruning should be minimized for good plant health. When planted and spaced according to its growth characteristics, a plant should require little pruning. However, you may remove dead or dying branches, and crossed or rubbing branches any time of the year. When in doubt, call us.

Hopefully, these tips will enable you to minimize time and expense in caring for your new landscape. Remember to call us if you have any questions regarding the ongoing care of your planting. We also would like for you to keep us in mind if you wish to add or enhance your landscaping in the future.