Water

When-  Early in the morning 2-3 times per week.

How much-  Generally 1" per week until frost.  You may need to adjust according to drought conditions or rainy conditions. 

How to apply-  Slow trickle application.  Use a watering wand, the end of a hose, or soaker hose to apply water slowly.  Check 6-8" deep around the root zone to see how wet the soil is.  If the soil will not stay together when you ball it up and lightly bounce it in your hand it is too dry and you need to water.  If the soil is muddy and squeezes through your fingers then it is too wet and it needs to dry out.  When the soil balls up and stays together when you lightly bounce it then it is ideal.  Try to maintain this soil condition. 

The best way to water trees is to let the hose trickle slowly for about 1 hour at the base 2-3 times each week. 

Avoid wetting the foliage more than once a week as it may cause fungus. 

Fertilizer-  You will not need to fertilize the first season.  The best time to fertilize is in spring and fall.  Use our Blue XL blend (see Turf Selection/Care) by spraying around the root zone and the leaves. 

Mulching-  Never allow the mulch come in direct contact with the bark of the plants.  Never have more than a 2 inch mulch layer.  Old mulch should be removed each year before new mulch is installed in the spring.  You need an adequate mulch layer even in the winter to protect the surface roots of the plants so check and add where necessary.  Only use quality mulch as some lesser quality mulch will wick moisture away  instead of holding in moisture.  If the mulch layer becomes hard and crusted break it up to keep it lose so water can penetrate down to the root zone.

Pruning-  You will not need to prune trees or shrubs the first season other than dead or damaged branches.  Most evergreens shrubs should be pruned in early summer after the new growth hardens.  Flowering shrubs should be pruned right after the flowers start to fade and before the new buds form for next year.  Ornamental grass should be pruned early spring to about 6" from the ground.

Please keep in mind that the above statements are simply suggestions and many factors will determine if you need to water or if Mother Nature is supplying enough.