Care instructions
A little care goes a long way. Here’s how to help your new lawn, plantings, and hardscapes settle in and stay looking their best.
Brand-new lawns
Newly seeded lawns
Keep the surface moist: Mist lightly 3–4 times a day for the first 3 weeks. Keep the soil damp, not muddy.
Ease into deeper watering: Once grass reaches 3 inches, water deeply every other day, then twice weekly as roots mature.
Make the first mow count: At 4 inches tall, mow to 3½ inches with a sharp blade. Never mow soggy turf.
Plan the next feeding: After starter fertilizer, apply a slow-release follow-up at 4–6 weeks, then follow a seasonal schedule.
Give it room to grow: Stay off until the first mow, then keep traffic light for 2 more weeks.
Freshly installed sod
Water on installation day: Soak to a depth of 6 inches the day the sod is laid, then keep it moist for the first 10 days.
Check for roots: After day 10, gently tug a corner. Resistance is a sign that roots are taking hold.
Mow with care: Usually 7–10 days after installation, once rooted and the ground is firm. Mow at 3–3½ inches.
Follow up on fertilizer: Feed again 4–6 weeks after the starter application.
Fresh plantings & beds
Water slowly and deeply: Slow-soak every other day for 2 weeks, twice weekly for 8 weeks, then weekly through the first growing season. Start with about 5 gallons per shrub or 10–15 gallons per tree with a 2-inch trunk; adjust for soil moisture.
Keep mulch away from trunks: Maintain a 2–3 inch layer of mulch, leaving a few inches clear around trunks. Refresh it each spring.
Prune at the right time: Prune non-flowering trees and evergreens in late winter, spring bloomers after flowering, and summer bloomers in late winter or early spring. Remove dead wood as needed.
Feed for the plant: Use a slow-release feeding in early spring. Choose an appropriate blend for acid-loving plants.
Prepare for winter: Ask us about burlap or anti-desiccant protection for exposed evergreens, and staking young trees in windy spots.
Hardscapes
Patios & walkways
Let the installation settle: Keep foot traffic and furniture off for 48 hours, unless your installation instructions say otherwise.
Clean gently: Hose down seasonally. Spot-clean with a pH-neutral product approved for your pavers or stone.
Look after the joints: Polymeric sand: follow your installer’s curing instructions, typically keeping water off for 24 hours. Regular sand: sweep fresh sand into joints each spring as needed.
Seal only when appropriate: Optional for concrete pavers: typically after 90 days, then every 3–5 years. Check product compatibility and timing first. Granite usually stays natural.
Use care in winter: Use plastic shovels or rubber-edged equipment. Avoid rock salt and use only de-icers approved for your surface.
Retaining walls & drainage
Leave drainage openings clear: Keep mulch and soil away from weep holes so water can escape.
Check walls each season: Inspect in spring and fall. Contact us if you notice movement, particularly a change greater than ⅛ inch.
Clear leaves and debris: Clear drain grates after storms and flush accessible drain lines with a garden hose each spring.
Adjust watering for rainfall and soil moisture. Always follow the instructions provided for your project and the products used.
Have questions?
We’re here to help. Give us a call or send us an email.