 |
Landscape Services
|
Helpful Hints & Important Updates
CARE OF NEW PERENNIAL FLOWERS, SMALL SHRUBS AND TREES
Perennial flowers and small ornamental shrubs offer a wide range of color, texture, fragrance, and seasonal interest to any garden. Choose from a vast selection of perennials suitable to a wide range of environmental conditions. There are perennials for every taste, style and garden size.
From the time of planting through the first season, perennials and small ornamental shrubs require care including water, fertilizer and weed control to establish new roots. Water, fertilizer and weed control will vary depending on planting location and soil conditions. The following are some basic guidelines to follow.
Watering perennials and small shrubs
The first week following planting, water every other day for approximately 20 minutes. Adjust the time and amount of water based on the air temperature and rain. Best time to water before 10:00 am and after 5:00 pm. After the first week, water every 3-4 days to keep soil moist. When plant leaves droop or appear wilted, they need water! Dont wait until this happens keep soil moist but not soaked. Continue to water as late into the fall as possible, until water freezes in the hose, if possible.
Watering newly installed trees
After a tree is planted, watering is critical. Deep watering is best-have the hose on a slow trickle for an hour or two, 2-3 times per week. Adjust the time and amount of water based on the air temperature and rain. Best time to water before 10:00 am and after 5:00 pm. After the first week, water every 3-4 days to keep soil moist.
WEEDS
Do not use a pre-emergent herbicide to control weeds and grasses in your new plantings for at least 4 weeks. Thereafter we suggest you use a product such as Preen. Follow directions on the package.
GRASSES
Remove weed grasses in plant beds by using Round-Up, a non-selective herbicide available at garden centers or home improvement stores. Follow label directions. Roundup kills on contact so be sure not to spray on plants or flowers. Use a paper cut turned upside down over the nozzle of the bottle to control spray.
FERTILIZER
Fertilize new plantings starting the 2nd season every other week using a general-purpose garden fertilizer. We suggest Miracle-Gro, available at garden centers and home improvement stores in spray container or granular form. Just attach the spray container to a hose and spray away! Or use Miracle-Gro granules dissolved in water 1 tablespoon per gallon, check label for directions.
FALL CARE
Cut back perennial flowers to ground level after the first frost. Mulch with leaves for added insulation.
Call us if you have questions or problems. Enjoy your new plantings!
|
|
|
| |
