Xeric Gardening &
H2O Use Information
Please Help Us Conserve Water
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A Guide to the Care of
Your Landscaping
LAWNS &
GROUNDCOVERS
Water daily, but
lightly for the first two weeks. After two weeks you can reduce the total
amount of water to approximately 1" applied in two waterings. Remember that
during periods of high daytime temperatures more water will be required. Also
keep in mind that clay soils require less water than sandy soils. The amount of
rainfall should also be taken into consideration.
Lawn fertilizing should be done
following the instructions on the label. Use a fertilizer formulated to the
Rocky Mountain region. There are many readily available.
Groundcovers should be fertilized
each spring using a balanced fertilizer. They should be kept weed free and the
soil around them should be kept loose until they fill in.
Occasionally, an insect or disease
problem arises on lawns & groundcovers. The problem should be correctly
diagnosed and a spray program initiated to end the problem.
Lawns and groundcovers must be
watered in the winter during any period of warm, dry weather. Since your
irrigation system is probably turned off for the winter, the easiest way to do
this is using your garden hose attached to oscillating sprinkers or impact
spary heads. This is very important for the continued good health of your lawns
and groundcovers.
TREES &
SHRUBS
Newly planted trees and shrubs
should be fertilized each spring using a balanced fertilizer formulated for the
Rocky Mountain region. Follow directions on the label
.
Watering of new, as well as
existing, trees and shrubs should follow a general rule: the entire root system
of the plant should be saturated and then the soil should become almost dry
before the next watering. If your soil is a heavy clay type, less watering will
be required. Be aware that too much water in the soil is usually worse for
plantings than too little water.
Severe damage may occur to
plantings during our dry fall and winter months. It is important that watering
be continued during these months even though your irrigation system may be
turned off. Soak the root area around plants thoroughly before winter. The
simplest method is by open hose or soaker running slowly for a period of 2-3
hours. Broadleaf evergreens are especially susceptible to drying during these
months and should be checked regularly. Remember that the snow we usually
receive in the Rocky Mountain area is not sufficient to adequately water your
plantings. Do not be fooled by a little snow!
Please soak all plantings and lawn
areas thoroughly during any warm period in winter. Most winter injury is caused
from plants dehydrating. Watering twice monthly is usually sufficient, but keep
an eye on your plantings to know for sure. It is hard to tell with deciduous
plantings so use evergreens as an indicator. Broadleaf evergreen leaves will
become brittle and break as you bend them. Junipers will start to show signs of
browning and will also be brittle. Be sure to wear gloves when checking
evergreens as some of the needles can be very sharp.
Stakes should be removed from
trees one year after planting. If allowed to remain for too long a period,
damage may occur.
Pruning generally is not needed
the first year. During the second year, pruning should begin to improve the
appearance and vigor of plants. We suggest that the original, natural shape of
the plant be maintained and that hedge shears only be used when a hedge is
truely the desired effect. We would be happy to give you a free estimate for
our pruning services.
Insect and disease problems may
occur in your plantings. We recommend a program developed by a licensed
applicator for your particular needs.
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