Watering Trees and Shrubs

Proper watering is the single most important aspect of maintenance for transplanted trees. The reduced root system of a newly transplanted tree is concentrated in a small soil volume with very little water available to it. Regular watering will be necessary for approximately 6 - 8 weeks.

Remember that it is easy to over water, especially if the planting site is poorly drained. To test the soil, stick your fingers in the soil approximately one inch. If the area is muddy or there is standing water you need to reduce the watering times. Always be careful, over watering can be more harmful then under watering. REMEMBER other areas may be dry so they will still need watering. Make sure you check several areas of your landscape. By the 3rd or 4th week watering should be reduced.

Typically set your irrigation system to water all landscape zones (misters only) for a period of 2-3 minutes consecutively every day. Do not exceed 2-3 minutes per day once landscaping is established.

Watering for proper Sod Maintenance

Water sod 2-3 times a day for the first 7 days, which is the crucial rooting period. Set sprinklers around 9am and 3pm, for 15-20 minutes depending on the heat. Heavy rainfall will reduce your need to water as frequently. Soil should be kept moist to a depth of 4-6 inches. Do not water late at night. As the roots grow deeper in the ground, (1 - 2 inches), watering can be tapered off but not stopped. Misters can be set for 5-15 minutes and rotors 10-20 minutes, depending on the slope of the land.

Rule of thumb: Mow new sod for the first time, when the blades of grass are 40-50% greater than the regular cutting height and the roots have established.

Fertilization of trees and plants

During the installation process Motor City fertilized your plants and trees to get them off to a healthy start. Therefore no fertilization is needed for that season, but fertilize the following spring. Soil testing can be done to determine what kind of fertilizer will be the most beneficial and which type of elements are needed. Always be sure to apply fertilizers over the entire root zone, and remember that the roots can grow well beyond the side branches in only a few years.

If you do not feel comfortable fertilizing your own trees and plants, call Motor City we can help.

Fertilization of lawn

You can fertilize your lawn about 2 weeks after installation which is usually about the time of the first cut. Be sure to use 12-12-12 fertilizers. Apply evenly, with a spreader on light setting to a dry lawn. Be sure to follow the directions on your fertilizer bag. 5 fertilizer applications per year are recommended. Easiest way to remember application dates is by the holidays: Easter, Memorial Day, 4th of July, and final application at Thanksgiving.

If you do not feel comfortable fertilizing your own lawn, call Motor City we can help.

Pruning your shrubs and trees

Trimming and pruning for all shrubs and hedges is recommended two times per year. The first should be done in early spring before new growth begins allowing plants to recover quickly. Winter pruning is beneficial for deciduous plants and trees because they are dormant.

Proper tree selection and proper location will nearly eliminate your need to prune. Once a good branch structure has been achieved, periodic removal of deadwood will be the only pruning requirement if a tree is well matched to its site.

If you do not feel comfortable pruning your own shrubs and trees, call Motor City we can help.