Wondering how to
properly water your new plants or lawn?
Trouble with
pests? We are here for you!
Lawn watering
instructions
Shrub watering
instructions
Pest
Concerns
Post Lawn Installation Instructions
Dordan has used the greatest care and the
finest materials in the installation of your new lawn. It is
important for the proper steps to be followed to assure the
germination of the seeds planted. For seeds to germinate
consistently, the top layer of soil must stay constantly moist. The
straw mulch will help, but you must thoroughly soak the soil to a
6-inch depth after sowing; then lightly water with a sprinkler as
often as 3-4 times daily until the grass is established. Even a
short dry period can kill the germinating seed. Allow the young
grass to reach its maximum recommended height of 2.5 to 4” before
mowing. After 90 days to 1 year old lawn should be sprinkled three
times per week 1” each time.
Avoid walking on the new lawn, some
walking will be necessary to move the sprinkler, but putting
different sprinklers in various spots on the lawn will minimize the
amount of walking taking place. Application of a fertilizer is
recommended 3 weeks after
installation.
Cut the grass when it is about 4” long.
The lawn mower should be set on a high setting to avoid cutting to
short and burning the lawn. There is no need to rake out the straw
or grass clippings. The straw and grass clippings will be mulched
into the lawn.
Once the lawn is established (after the
first year), most lawns need approximately one inch of water per
week, and double that amount in very hot, dry weather. A few heavy
waterings are far better
than daily light waterings. Thoroughly sprinkling your lawn once (or
twice in July and August) a week when there is insufficient rain is
generally recommended. If you set a few coffee cans around the lawn
under your sprinkler, you can soon determine how long it takes to
produce one inch of water. The best time to sprinkle is early
morning; sprinkling during mid-day loses more water to evaporation,
and sprinkling in the evening leaves lawn moist during cook night
weather, which sometimes encourages fungus and
mold.
Post Shrub Installation
Instructions
Dordan
has used the greatest care and the finest materials in the
installation of your new shrubs. It is important to follow these
instructions to assure the health and growth of your new plant
material. When it doesn’t rain, newly planted shrubs should be
watered once a week. During wet rainy times, watering isn’t
necessary. If the ground 2-3” below the mulch is moist, watering is
not necessary. Please do not allow the ground 2-3” under the mulch
to dry out. The newly planted material needs to be checked
periodically to assure proper moisture.
YOUR
PLANTS WERE PURCHASED WHOLESALE AND ARE THEREFORE
NOT
GUARANTEED.
Watering
should be done in early morning or late afternoon, so that leaves
are not sun scorched.
Here are
some rules of thumb to help you navigate the do’s and don’ts of how
to water...
TREES:
Ornamental and shade trees require approximately one hour of
water per week for every caliper inch. That is to say that a 2”
diameter tree (measured at 12” above the ground) will require
approximately 1-2 hours of watering a week with a slow drizzle and a
3” diameter tree will require 2-3 hours per week and so on. Remember
that the soil around the root ball will get wet a lot faster than
the root ball itself and can give you a false impression. So check
the root ball for moisture.
SHRUBS:
There is not a specific time table for watering in any soil type. An
indication of a plant’s water needs can be attained by checking for
soil moitsure with your index finger about 1.5” deep into the root
zone. If soil is moist, leave it alone and check every day or two
until soil begins to feel dry. Then, water thoroughly with a small
stream until slight puddling occurs.Water again only when soil is
dry to the touch 1-2” below soil surface in the root zone. Maintain
this wastering regimen only for the first growing season.
Thereafter, when plant is fully established, watering is only
necessary in times of drought. Remember excessive water can be
harmful as no water at all. Do not keep soil saturated, allow it to
dry between watering.
PERENNIALS and ANNUALS: Anything that is in bloom will take
more water than usual so water 3-5 times per
week.
Remember
that the make up of soil varies and some soil holds water longer
than others do. So always test the root ball for dryness before you
water. This can be done by using a screwdriver to create a small
hole about 6” deep between the stem/trunk of the plant/tree and the
outer edge of the ball. Then, by using a wire hanger create a tight
“hook” on one end and use it to bring up some soil from within the
root ball.
As
mentioned earlier, watering is a key factor in maintaining the
health and beauty of you landscape. If you find yourself short on
time or patience your local garden center/hardware or home store
sells above ground as well as soaker hose systems that can minimize
time spent watering. If you need any further information or advice
on watering please do not hesitate to call Dordan.
Pest
Concerns
Deer keep eating my
shrubs/plants, what can I do?
Spray your plants with
a mixture
of:
-
1 Large bottle of Louisiana
Hot Sauce
-
2 drops of Ivory Liquid
Soap
-
2 tablespoons Wesson
oil
-
1.5 gallon very hot
water.
Mix
ingredients in a sprayer and spray plants every 4 weeks- this will
help alleviate pests.
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