THE DESIGN PROCESS

FAQ

NEW LANDSCAPE CARE

Q. What is my warranty on plant material installed by Spring Fever Landscape Development?
A. All trees, shrubs and perennials are guaranteed for one year from the installed date. Spring Fever will provide ONE free replacement and replacement labor.

Q. What is the acclimation period for my new plantings?
A. On average, trees and shrubs will take two years to return to normal growth rate after planting and perennials will take one year.

Q. Why did some of my plants lose their leaves?
A. Some plants may become "stressed" after being planted, some trees commonly loose their leaves. Most plants will recover and re-leaf. If they do not and provided they are watered properly, they have a one year warranty. If any plants die, please leave them in place and call us.

Q. How often do I water my new trees?
A. Since the root ball is larger and is generally buried deeply in the ground, they need less frequent watering than sod or shrubs. A good deep soaking once every 6-7 days is usually sufficient. A good deep soaking means a steady stream at 15 minutes per tree.

Q. How often do I water my new shrubs?
A. Shrubs need a deep soaking approximately every 3-4 days. Pay attention to the leaves, if they appear wilted and the ground is dry please water the plant. Usually 5 minutes per shrub at a steady stream.

Q. How often do I water my new perennials?
A. These plants will require watering every two to three days because of their shallow root system.

Q. I have an underground sprinkler system or drip hose. Will this be enough water?
A. Please do not depend solely on these methods of watering as in most cases they may not be totally sufficient. If using, it is best to monitor everyday to view any inconsistencies in watering, which may need correction.

Q. How often do I need to prune?
A. Most new plantings will not need to be pruned for the first year or two. They need to establish themselves and begin producing new growth to fill in and to develop their natural growth habit for the area they are in. We usually just recommend pruning to “shape” for the first couple of years. After that you will need to prune to keep plants contained. Some plants will require pruning with hand pruners (such as roses, some junipers and hydrangeas) and some will tolerate power shears (such as spirea and yews).

Q. When do I prune trees?
A. These plants will require trimming at different times during the year depending on their flowering times. It is important that the timing of the trimming is after the flowering cycle of the plant. For example: spring flowering plants should be pruned in mid summer and summer flowering plants in the fall.

Q. When do I prune perennials?
A. During the season you can remove spent flowers by a process called deadheading. Deadheading improves the look of most plants and many perennials will re-bloom after the spent flowers are removed. If you can, leave the tops of perennials on through the winter to insulate them. Remove in early spring before new growth starts to emerge.

Q. When do I prune evergreens?
A. As a result of their habit, evergreens will require trimming once per year, generally in mid June/July. The trimming should be completed while the new lime green growth is apparent and still supple.

Q. Should I fertilize my landscape?
A. All of the plantings we install will not need fertilizer for the first year. After that we suggest you fertilize in the spring and fall with a 10-10-10 or 16-16-16 plant fertilizer. Spread the fertilizer around the drip line of the plant using a cup or hand rotary spreader. Do not dump the fertilizer on the plant. Fertilizing your plants is probably one of the most important things you can do to help your plants thrive. Please follow the instructions on the bag of fertilizer.

Q. What do plant pests look like?
A. Pests on plants can take the form of molds, fungus, insects and rodents. All need to be treated in different ways. Please inspect your plants weekly, looking for any changes in color, chewed leaves, spots or growths. You may need to turn over some leaves. Remember insects have a right to be on our plants, (many are beneficial). We only need to treat the pest when they threaten the health of the plant or become a nuisance to you.

Q. Should I keep my landscape mulched?
A. Yes. The benefits of mulch include reduced water evaporation, weed prevention, protection from winter freeze and thaw cycles, increased soil fertility, and a finished look. Re-mulch with 2-4" of hardwood shredded mulch. Keep the mulch away from the trunk or stem of the plant as this can cause rot. When mulching around perennials, do not mulch too thickly as you may suffocate the plant.

Q. Will the salt I use on my sidewalk in the winter harm my plants?
A. If you use salt during the winter, beware! Salt residue can severely damage groundcovers, grass, perennials, and shrubs. Salt will bind up your plants' ability to absorb water, which is already at a premium during the winter months. Salt can also travel, no matter how carefully it's placed. A good idea is to use sand or calcium chloride for de-icing.

Q. What can I do to ensure success with my new landscape?
A. Since plant material is living material, sometimes your plant material will not survive, even with your best efforts. A few of the things that will cause this to happen are: cat/dog urine or spray, severe weather (dry winds, lack of snow cover, excessive rain or lack of rain, extremely cold winters, extended or truncated seasons), fungus, insects, and disease. These factors cannot be anticipated, and sometimes they cannot be controlled. A landscape is a work of art, and always a work-in-progress. There are too many factors beyond the gardener's control for complete success to happen often. The plant that absolutely exceeded your wildest expectations this year may not come back next year. Losses are to be expected, even to the most attentive and knowledgeable gardener. But your personal care will make a big difference in how your garden grows. Enjoy the items in your landscape that prosper, forget (or re-plant) the items that don't. Try something new. Keep what exceeds your expectations, and learn from what doesn't satisfy. Your landscape is capable of flourishing and bringing you much personal enjoyment. As for proper care: you can do it!