How do you help plants establish and get a good start?
Four key components contribute to the success of a new landscape.
1 Irrigation.
Most important of all is to set a proper watering schedule. It’s a challenge to keep new plantings consistently moist without over watering. The irrigation system settings must be correctly adjusted for the needs of the various types of plants. For example, we must take care to not over water evergreens or under water perennials. New turf requires extra attention because it is extremely sensitive to moisture and can easily dry out.
2 Soil Testing.
We do periodic soil testing to ensure garden plants and turf are able to absorb the nutrients they need for healthy growth. Based on the results we get from the initial soil tests, we usually amend soil on the entire property during construction so we can get great returns on the growth later. Healthy soil is the foundation for a thriving landscape.
3 Pest and Disease Management.
Even though we use high-quality nursery stock, we actively monitor new plants for signs of disease or pest infestation. We use a proactive method called IPM that allows us to identify and spot treat issues before they can spread and cause serious damage.
4 Minimal Pruning. We don’t do much pruning in the first year because pruning reduces root growth. Young plants need to put their energy into producing as many roots as possible to establish quickly.