General Maintenance
Watering
It is better to water plants for longer durations, allowing the moisture to penetrate into the soil and promote deep rooting. Short, frequent watering typically results in plants that develop shallow roots and are more susceptible to drought stress. The best time to water is early in the morning or late in the evening.

Fall and Winter Protection
All plants need an abundant amount of water in the fall. During winter months, water becomes unavailable to plants, yet the plant continues to use the water it has stored in the fall. Plants that received ample water in the fall will be more vigorous in the spring and be able to tolerate drier spring conditions if they occur.

To get more specific please see our detailed section for: Tree Maintenance, Shrub Maintenance, Perennial Maintenance and Annuals Maintenance.

Tree Maintenance
Watering
After trees are first installed, water them every other day for three weeks. If the weather conditions are hot and dry, continue watering for 5-6 weeks. When trees have rooted, make sure they get approximately 1” of water per week. If you can feel moisture 6” down into the soil, the tree has been watered enough. Watering is more effective in the early morning or late evening. Mulch rings are also suggested to regulate temperature and retain moisture around the tree roots.

Fertilizing
It is best to fertilize trees in the spring. Fertilizer stakes are a type of slow-release fertilizer which will last the entire growing season. Miracle Grow/Miracid or a comparable water soluble fertilizer can be used throughout the growing season as long as plants are watered regularly. Limit fertilizer applications in fall.

Pruning
In general, trees should be pruned when they are dormant. Avoid pruning trees in late summer if possible.

Shrub Maintenance
Watering
After shrubs are first installed, water them every other day for three weeks. If the weather conditions are hot and dry, continue watering for 5-6 weeks. When plants have rooted, water once a week or approximately 1” of water per week. If you can feel moisture 4” down into the soil, the plant has been watered enough. Watering is more effective in the early morning or late evening. Mulching around plants is also suggested to regulate temperature and retain moisture around the shrub roots.

Fertilizing
It is best to fertilize shrubs in the spring. Miracle Grow/Miracid or a comparable water soluble fertilizer can be used throughout the growing season as long as plants are watered regularly. Limit fertilizer applications in fall.

Pruning
The best time to prune shrubs varies with each species. It is good practice to cut out dead wood (no living tissue in stem) to promote fuller development. In general, most shrubs can be pruned after flowering without any adverse affects. It is not recommended to prune spring blooming shrubs in the fall. Renewal pruning and pruning on non-flowering shrubs should be done in spring and fall if possible.

Perennial Maintenance
Watering
After perennials are first installed, water them every other day for three weeks. If weather conditions are hot and dry, continue watering for 5-6 weeks. When plants have rooted, water once a week or so they get approximately 1” of water per week. If you can feel moisture 4” down into the soil, the plant is watered enough. Watering is more effective in the early morning or late evening. Mulching around plants is also suggested to regulate temperature and retain moisture around the plant roots. Once established, perennials may need water during very dry conditions.

Fertilizing
It is best to fertilize perennials in the spring. Miracle Grow/Miracid or a comparable water soluble fertilizer can be used throughout the growing season as long as plants are watered regularly. Limit fertilizer applications in fall.

Pruning
Perennials can be cut back in late fall or early spring. Some plants, like the ornamental grasses, have nice textures and forms that add winter interest if clean up is delayed to spring. Grasses and semi-woody perennials can be cut down to 6-8” high. Other perennials die completely back to the ground, leaving debris that can be easily removed.

Annuals Maintenance
Watering
After Annuals are first installed, check for water daily. If the soil is moist then the watering can be less frequent. If the weather conditions are hot and dry, watering may need to be done daily. Exposure of the sun will also determine if watering needs to be more or less frequent.

Fertilizing
Fertilize annuals with a slow release fertilizer when first planting or apply Miracle Grow or a comparable water soluble fertilizer every two weeks or as specified.

Deadheading
Some annual flowers will fall off cleanly and re-bloom. Others may require deadheading to encourage a longer bloom time for the plant.

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