The following general maintenance guidelines are provided for so you will have a better understanding of what to expect from your newly planted landscape. Due to varying weather conditions in the High Country, our seasons can often be unpredictable. Frost and snow may occur year round. It's a good idea to keep a close eye on your new plants for the first few growing seasons to ensure a healthy landscape for years to come.

Generally it's best to fertilize trees and shrubs three times during the growing season. The first fertilization should occur once new growth is prevalent on plants. The second should happen in mid-season, usually in July. The last fertilization should occur a month later in August. Fertilizing too late in the season will stimulate new growth when the plants would normally begin going into dormancy. We would recommend a water soluble, organic based fertilizer such as Age Old Organic Fertilizer.

Early Spring - As the snow begins to melt
• Clean out planting beds; remove rocks, gravel, and other debris left over from snow removal, check for animal damage.
• When temperatures get above 40° F remove dead or damaged limbs from shrubs and trees
• Sow grass and Wildflower seeds to take advantage of spring snow & rain
• Check and adjust staking on new trees, snow conditions may have caused shifting

Late Spring - Snow has melted and new growth is showing
• Activate irrigation systems after nights are above freezing. Make sure there are no leaks and all areas are getting the right amount of water (a good way to check is to look at the soil around the base of the plant it should be damp - not too wet)
• Check beds and apply mulch where needed
• Fertilize shrubs, trees, and turf areas
• Prepare flower beds for annual plantings
• Prune spring flowering plants as soon as they have stopped blooming
• Mow turf areas when necessary to between 2 ½" and 3" removing no more than 1/3 of the grass blades at each mowing.

Summer - Temperatures are somewhat consistently warm
• Plant Annuals
• Weed planting beds and add mulch where necessary
• Check plants for disease & pests, spray as needed. If you need help with a sick plant, bring a branch of the infected plant into the nursery. Our staff can diagnose the problem and recommend a solution.
• Check irrigation system - batteries, leaks, proper water distribution
• Prune flowers as they finish blooming
• Mow turf areas when necessary

Late Summer - August
• After perennials and shrubs stop flowering decide which plants you want to deadhead and which should go to seed
• Continue to check plants for disease & pests
• As late summer rain falls check plants for signs of over watering - Put irrigation clock on rain delay if necessary. Check clock manual for instructions.
• Last fertilization of the year should happen in mid-August

Early Fall - September
• Cleanup planting beds, remove dead leaves from turf areas
• Last mowing of the year
• Add dead leaves to mulch beds or use in compost
• Reduce frequency and increase the length of time of watering
• Add organic matter to soils for spring planting
• Spread wildflower and grass seed just before snow starts to accumulate
• Plant bulbs for early spring color
• When temperatures fall below freezing at night, blow out irrigation systems, and drain faucets and hoses

Late Fall - October through early November
• Continue watering new plants until snow stays or the ground freezes
• Prepare planting beds for winter by adding mulch or pine boughs
• Apply Wiltpruf to newer evergreen trees while temp is above 50° F
• Check & adjust staking to ensure its sturdy for the winter snow

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