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Plant Shed

Care Instructions

Brand-New Lawns

Hydroseed or Dry Seed
Think consistent moisture, gentle touch.

  1. Water like rain: Light misting 3-4 × a day for the first three weeks. Keep the surface damp, not muddy.

  2. Ease off gradually: After grass is 3 ″ tall, water deeply every other day, then twice a week once roots mature.

  3. First haircut: When blades reach 4 ″, mow at 3 ½″ with a sharp mower blade—never when turf is soggy.

  4. Fertilize: We’ve applied a starter; give it a slow-release follow-up at week 4–6, then stick to a spring/summer/fall schedule.

  5. Traffic rules: Stay off until that first mow; then light use only for two more weeks.


Sod
Instant lawn, same commitment.

  • Soak immediately: Water to a 6 ″ depth the day it’s laid and keep it moist for 10 days.

  • Root check: Tug a corner after Day 10—if it resists, roots are grabbing.

  • First mow: 7–10 days in, at 3 ″–3 ½″.

  • Feeding time: Starter is done; boost again at 4–6 weeks.

Fresh Plantings & Beds

  • Water schedule: Slow-soak every other day for 2 weeks → twice weekly for 8 weeks → weekly through the first growing season. (5 gal per shrub, 10-15 gal per 2″ tree each drink.)

  • Mulch magic: Hold a 2-3 ″ blanket, but keep it a couple inches off trunks. Top up each spring.

  • Prune smart:

    • Non-flowering trees & evergreens—late winter.

    • Spring bloomers—right after the show.

    • Summer bloomers—late winter or early spring.

    • Remove dead wood anytime.

  • Feed: One slow-release dose in early spring; acid lovers get their own blend.

  • Winter armor: Burlap wraps or anti-desiccant spray for exposed evergreens; stake young trees in windy spots.

Hardscapes

Patios, Walkways & Granite Steps
Your stonework is built to last—help it age gracefully.

  • First 48 hours: No foot traffic or furniture, please.

  • Cleaning: Hose down seasonally; spot-clean with pH-neutral products.

  • Joint care: Polymeric sand? Keep water off 24 hrs. Regular sand? Sweep fresh in each spring.

  • Seal (optional): Concrete pavers can be sealed after 90 days; renew every 3-5 years. Granite usually stays natural.

  • Snow & ice: Plastic shovels or rubber-edged blowers only. De-ice with calcium chloride or CMA—skip rock salt.

 
Retaining Walls & Drainage Features

  • Keep weep holes clear—no mulch or soil piled in front.

  • Inspect walls each spring/fall for any movement beyond ⅛″; call us if you see it.

  • Clear leaves from drain grates after storms and flush drain lines with a garden hose each spring.

Keep Your New Landscape Looking Sharp: Care Tips from A Cut Above

​Welcome to the good part—watching your brand-new lawn, plantings, and hardscapes settle in and shine. A little TLC over the first season makes all the difference, so we’ve gathered the essentials in one place. Bookmark this page, share it with the family, and reference it whenever you need a refresher.

Have Questions?

Give us a call: +1(774)-291-6846​

Send us an email: info@acutabovema.com

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