GREEN TIPS

WATERING SEEDED LAWNS

Start watering IMMEDIATELY after seeding. Seed should be kept moist. Avoid over watering, which promotes puddles and erosion. No herbicide (weed killer) should be used until seed is established (usually after 3-4 mowings).

WATERING NEW SOD

Start watering IMMEDIATELY after the sod is laid. For the first 7 to 10 days, the sod should be so wet that you cannot walk on it without sinking in. After that, give the sod an inch of water every 2 days for the next 2 weeks. To measure an inch, place a coffee can on the lawn in the path of the sprinkler. Once your lawn is established it is generally better to water in the morning hours approximately 1" per week.

MOWING NEW LAWNS

By the 10th day or so, allow the sod to dry out enough to mow it. Make sure your mower is in good mechanical condition and that the blade is sharp. Set your mower to the highest setting and mow the lawn carefully. The frequency of mowing depends on the weather. Mow the lawn before clippings are longer than one inch. In the spring and fall, mowing may have to be done twice a week due to rapid growth. Mowing heights should be 2-2½ inches in spring and fall, and 2½ to 3 inches during summer months.

LAWN FERTILIZATION

Following initial fertilization, (included at installation) wait four weeks and fertilize again. Repeat every six weeks for the rest of the growing season. Before applying any chemicals, read and follow all label instructions. We highly recommend organic treatments of lawn provided by Nutri-Max Lawn Care (630) 455-1200. These treatments can help prevent conditions that cause lawn diseases. They also provide lawn insect (grub) control.

CORE AERIFICATION

This should be done in spring and fall every year.

WATERING TREES

Newly planted trees should be watered immediately, apply water directly to area on and around root ball. All trees should be watered deep, water around the ball about 4-5 minutes. This method is best for good root formation, rather than short frequent irrigation. For the first 2 weeks — 1 to 2 times per week and then every 7-14 days. If in question, dig down the side approximately 12"- 15" to see if the area is wet, if so-wait a few days. Tree root enhancer is the best fertilizer for newly installed trees.

WATERING SHRUBS

Water same as for trees, but for approximately 1- 2 minutes per shrub twice a week depending upon weather conditions.

NOTE: Newly planted trees and shrubs are more often lost from over watering than under watering. After initial watering, trees should be watered to the touch. Pull back the mulch and insert water meter, or your finger 4" into the soil, if the soil is moist, don't water, if it is dry to the touch, then water.

DO NOT depend on rainfall or sprinklers to water newly planted trees or shrubs. This type of moisture may run off or evaporate from the soil surface and not penetrate the root zone.

Keep new PERENNIALS, FLOWERS, AND GROUNDCOVERS moist for at least two to three weeks to obtain proper root establishment.

NOTE: Newly established beds that are kept weed free establish faster and require less maintenance in the future.

MULCHING TREE RINGS

Since grass roots compete for your tree's water and nutrient needs, it is advisable to exclude grass from the plant trunk or stem. Applying a 3" layer of shredded hardwood bark mulch over the surface of the soil will retain moisture for the plant, and prevent mower damage to the trunk.

PLANT FERTILIZATION

Do not fertilize at planting time; this would be best done after your plant has established for 6 months. When fertilizing, a quarter cup of garden fertilizer (8-8-8 or 10-10-10) may be evenly distributed to the soil around the soil surface around the plant. Deep root fertilization with is another good way to fertilize and water your trees and shrubs. The best way is to use organic root enhancers with deep root fertilization from "The Care of Trees" (630) 692-1100. This treatment is highly recommended for rapid root establishment and much faster maturing rate. They also provide tree care maintenance like spraying for insects and diseases (the most common being Crabapple Scab which should be sprayed on most crabapples in early spring, 2-3 times).

PLANT BED MAINTENANCE

We recommend that newly installed plant beds be mulched with some type of material. If a weed mat barrier was not installed, then a pre-emergent herbicide should be applied on top of the mulch for weed control. When weeds begin to emerge, apply an herbicide to weeds (such as Roundup™) and follow with application of more pre-emergent herbicide. DO NOT apply the herbicide to trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, groundcover, or turf grass. Be careful not to spray herbicide on windy days and control the spray so that it does not mist or drift onto other areas.

Installing pre-emergent herbicide helps prevent weeds in plant beds.

ATTRACTING BIRDS

Did you know the type of bird seed you use affects what types of birds come to your yard? Buying discount seed is often full of cereal grains and fillers that birds won't eat like milo, wheat, oats, barley, and flax. Look for seeds with striped sunflower, black oil sunflower, safflower, and sunflower chips.