FAQ: How to Maintain Your New Landscape

NEW LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE

Thank you for choosing ZGL to install your new landscaping. We hope you will enjoy your new yard for years to come. Maintenance plays a huge part in the overall appearance and vigor of your new plantings and lawn. We have assembled answers to some frequently asked questions regarding the general maintenance of a new landscape. Please do not hesitate to call us if you have any additional questions or if we can be of help in any way.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• How often should I water?
• What about mowing?
• Do I need to fertilize? Spray for weeds or pests?
• What do I need to do with the sprinkler system?
• How do I care for seeded areas?
• How long should I leave the trees staked?
• What if I have other questions?
• Winter Watering

How often should I water?

It is critical to water the It is critical to water new turf the first 7 days. New sod requires ¾”- 1 ¼” of water per day for the first 7 days. Total amount should be split over 4 or 5 watering periods each day. The warmer the temperature the more water you need to apply. After the first 7 days, water at the rate of ½” per day for 7 days. Again, split up the times over with 2-3 watering periods each day. For the third week water ½” per day every other day for 7 days. Once your sod has been installed for 4 weeks, water less often with longer running times; once a day 2-3 times per week is the general rule to follow. This will encourage the grass to grow a deeper healthier root system and keep it green during those hot dry summer days.

The root area of newly planted trees and shrubs needs to be kept moist, but not soaking wet. Water thoroughly at the time of planting to reduce transplant shock and eliminate air pockets around the root ball. Monitor the moisture by feeling the soil at the base of the plant. Please do not over water your new sod and plantings.

What about mowing?

After laying new sod, you can mow after 10 days to 2 weeks. Turn off the water for 1 full day before mowing and when mowing never remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade at a time. Recommended mowing height is 2 ½- 3 inches.

Do I need to fertilize? Spray for weeds or pests?

Each lawn has different fertilization needs depending on the sod type, environmental conditions, soil type and maintenance. The first fertilization of the year should be done in March and the last fertilization in mid-October. The mid-October application is the most important and is considered your lawns winterizer. This helps get everything lined up for the spring making the roots stronger and grass greener. Kentucky bluegrass, the most common grass for this area, typically needs fertilization 4-5 times per year. Visit your local nursery for fertilizer or if you have any question please call.

Your new trees and shrubs were fertilized when planted and do not need fertilization the first season. After that, fertilize on a regular basis.

If weeds appear in rock or mulch beds, they can be pulled or sprayed with an herbicide. Remember not to spray herbicide on foliage of trees and shurbs or they will die. Also, try to avoid spraying on a windy day. If you see signs of insect activity, determine the pest and control accordingly.

Always use fertilizers and pesticides in strict accordance with label directions.

What do I need to do with the sprinkler system?

Regularly monitor the system to ensure coverage and adequate run time. During cold weather (below freezing) make sure to quick drain your system by following the directions listed below.

How do I care for seeded areas?

If you water the seed, it will get off to a better start. Fertilization also helps the seed to establish. Do not apply weed control if there are wildflowers in the seed mix, and do not apply weed control on grass seed until after it is established.

How long should I leave the trees staked?

Generally never over one year. Leaving the stakes on too long can create problems with the tree trunk and root growth. After a year please call ZGL and we will come remove the trees stakes for you at no cost.

What if I have other questions?

Remember we are only a phone call away. We are happy to answer any other questions you may have.

Thank you again. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

To Quick Drain Your Sprinkler System:

1. Turn off the main water shut off valve (A) which provides water to the system.
2. Open all inlet and outlet drain valves on the system (B & E)
3. Open all testcocks on the system (F)*
4. Open inlet and outlet shutoff valves on backflow prevention assembly (C & D)*

*Leave these valves and testcocks at a 45 degree angle, or half open/half closed position. **Call Zak George Landscaping to winterize the remainder of your system. 221-9228

Click here for printable draining instructions.

Winter Watering:

Don't give up! This is the most important time of the year to water plants. Many people lose plants during the winter because they are not winter watering, this can make or break a plants life. It allows plants to live, but just as important, to thrive in the spring. Mark your calendar for bimonthly watering. Soak your lawn and trees manually. Don't forget to drain your hoses and disconnect them from the faucet after each use. You will be happy with the results in the spring.

 

Monthly Yardcare Tips

January

• Check to make sure the mulch is still covering plants that are exposed to the south and southwest.
• Comprehensive pruning should be done on all trees and shrubs (except maples) for correction, height, damage, or shape.
• Deep water trees, shrubs, and roses as needed.

February

• Use dormant oils to control scale or aspen black spot.
• Thin old, overgrown deciduous shrubs before they start to bud out or bloom.
• Gently brush the snow off trees and shrubs.

March

• If you didn't rake leaves or remove old fruit from deciduous trees in the fall, do so now.
• Check evergreen for browning and deciduous trees for buds that have died. Prune, don't shear deciduous trees.
• Deep water trees and shrubs as needed.

April
April is national lawn care month!

• Prepare to activate the sprinkler system.
• Aerate and fertilize the lawn.
• Cut back perennials (except evergreen perennials-plants that stay green all year) from last year. With a sharp pair of scissors, remove dead plant material all the way to the ground.
• Prepare the soil for all Colorado gardens, except in the mountains, where you may need to wait until the soil is workable.

May

• Mulch around flower and shrub beds to conserve moisture and keep down weeds.
• Mow lawn to no less than 2" and never cut any more than one-third of the growth.
• Water plants, trees, shrubs and lawn infrequently, but thoroughly.
• After the 15th, put out annuals and perennials that have been overwintered indoors in pots.

June

• Continue to plant summer flowering bulbs, like cannas, dahlias, and gladioili (plant a few gladioli each week for continuous blooms throughout the summer).
• Fertilize annuals and perennials with nitrogen-based fertilizer.
• Check drip and lawn system. Remove any emitters that are overwatering, add emitters to areas where the soil is dry.

July

• Mow the lawn to no less than 2-1/2 " in height, never cutting more than one-third of the growth.
• Do not use high nitrogen fertilizer on trees from the middle of July through February of next season.
• Make sure the garden is well-mulched to protect plants during the heat of the day.

August

• Make sure trees and shrubs get enough water during August.
• Pay particular attention to good watering practices this month. Stressed areas in the full sun, or on south or western slopes may need extra watering.
• Weed your garden frequently. Watch to see that weeds do not grow so large that they flower and drop seeds (causing more weeds!).

September

• Plant new perennials.
• Plant or transplant evergreens before the weather turns cool.
• Begin paying attention to the weather forecasts for predictions of early frosts. Cover plants if necessary.
• Water as needed. Be sure to check the ground so you don't overwater.

October

• Plant hardy bulbs for spring blooming.
• Remove leaves and plant material. Put them in a "hot" compost pile (hotter than normal) or discard.
• Winterize the irrigation system.

November

• Mulch young or newly planted trees and shrubs. Wait until the end of the month when the ground is frozen.
• Purchase spring bulbs for forcing and indoor winter blooming.
• Cut back perennials from last year so they will bloom better.

December

• Add lighting to your landscape.
• Reduce watering of plants as the days become shorter. Plants can be overwatered if you are watering as much as you do in late spring, summer and early fall.

 

Landscape maintenance tips are provided courtesy of MONTH-TO-MONTH GARDENING, COLORADO, Four Sisters Publishing, Inc., Englewood, CO