WATERING / FERTILIZATION GUIDE
and MAINTENANCE OF NEWLY INSTALLED PLANT MATERIAL / TURF AREAS

INITIAL WATERING FOR NEWLY INSTALLED PLANT MATERIAL::

1. Thoroughly water all plant material as soon as it is installed by sticking a hose into the ground at the base of the new plant. Saturate and fill the area until the water starts coming out of the planting hole. (Soil should be very muddy!!!!!!) Pack any loose soil around the root ball of the plant.

2. We highly recommend that an automated watering system be used to help maintain your plants needs. Although this is helpful, it IS NOT maintenance free. You must still monitor the soil conditions and check for proper moisture content.

3. *GUARANTEE: Proper watering and maintenance of your plants is required or the warranty for your new plants will be VOID!

4. Twine and roping should be left on all plant material to help support root structures until new roots establish properly. This normally occurs within nine to twelve months. At this time, homeowner should remove all twine and burlap and pull it away from the trunks of the trees. For newly planted trees or shrubs please note that the first three years of their growing cycle is as follows: 1ST year they "Sleep" the 2nd year they "Creep" and the 3rd year they "Leap"!

5. "Initial Fertilization" is highly recommended immediately after the installation of any new plant material to help promote growth and plant vitality, and should be done annually there after. Proper pruning, fertilization, and mulching of shrubs and trees reduce plant(s) exposure to drought and heat stress. In addition, the plant(s) affected by drought are more susceptible to attack by insects and organisms that cause disease.

SPRING, SUMMER, FALL & WINTER
Keep in mind that new plantings require more water than established plants!
To be sure you are using enough water, move mulch aside to check the soil below. Soil should be compressed in your hand. If the soil sticks together, you are watering properly. If it crumbles, you need more water. Approximately 1" of water should be used per week. If weather conditions are very dry and the temperature is very hot (summer conditions), you may have to water more often! BE SURE TO KEEP MAINTAINING THE MOISTURE LEVEL OF YOUR SOIL ALL YEAR ROUND! **BE CAREFUL NOT TO OVER WATER**

NEWLY SEEDED / SODDED TURF AREAS:
In order for seed / sod to germinate, the soil needs to be "EVENLY" moist at all times throughout the day. Sod must be watered thoroughly! Especially, during hot / dry summer months in order for the roots to establish into the new soil on your property. Be sure to water especially in the morning hours for best result. Once you begin to see seedlings (baby grass) you can water less frequently. (See instructions above on how to check for proper moisture levels.) Regular applications of fertilizer and lime will enhance the growth of your new lawn.