Watering & Care Instructions

Watering

Water deeply at the root zone 2–3 times per week for the first 60 days. Apply approximately 1–2 gallons per tree directly around the root ball.

A slow, deep soak is far better than frequent shallow watering. During hot or dry spells, increase watering to every other day. Avoid standing water because roots that remain constantly wet may rot.

Planting depth

The top of the root ball should sit at or slightly above the surrounding grade. Never bury the trunk flare.

Mulch

Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the base to retain moisture and stabilize soil temperature. Keep mulch pulled away from the trunk.

First two weeks

Some browning of the interior needles is a normal response to transplant stress. Watch the outer growing tips, which should remain green.

Watering

Water 2–3 times per week for the first 60 days. Boxwood is sensitive to both drought and overwatering.

Check the soil approximately 2 inches below the surface before watering. If the soil is still damp, wait another day.

Sun exposure

Boxwood prefers morning sun with some afternoon shade during hot weather. Avoid west-facing locations with intense afternoon heat whenever possible.

Mulch

Apply approximately 2 inches of mulch. Mulch helps moderate the soil-temperature changes that may stress boxwood’s shallow roots.

Pruning

Do not prune during the first growing season. Allow the plant to focus its energy on establishing a strong root system.

Watering

Water deeply twice per week for the first 60 days. Conifers are generally drought-tolerant once established, but they require consistent moisture while developing new roots.

Do not allow the root ball to dry out completely during the first growing season.

Drainage

These plants will not tolerate constantly saturated soil. If water remains in the planting area after rainfall, improve the soil with compost or plant the shrub slightly above grade.

Mulch

Apply 2–3 inches of mulch and keep it pulled away from the trunk collar.

Watering

Water deeply 2–3 times per week. These plants have shallow, fibrous root systems that can dry out quickly.

During the first 60 days, do not allow the soil to dry more than approximately 1 inch below the surface.

Soil

These are acid-loving plants. If the soil is neutral or alkaline, an application of Holly-tone or soil sulfur at planting may help the plants establish.

Sun exposure

Dappled shade or morning sun is ideal. Avoid direct afternoon sun, especially during the first growing season.

Mulch

Apply approximately 3 inches of pine bark or wood-chip mulch. These plants naturally grow beneath a forest canopy and benefit from acidic organic matter.

Watering

Water deeply twice per week for the first 60 days. Water more frequently during the first two weeks immediately after planting.

A slow trickle applied at the root zone for approximately 30–45 minutes is more effective than a quick surface spray.

Planting depth

The root flare must remain at or slightly above grade. Planting a tree too deeply is one of the most common planting mistakes and can cause gradual decline over several years.

Fertilizer

Do not fertilize during the first growing season. Allow the tree to establish its roots before encouraging additional top growth.

Watering

Water deeply 2–3 times per week. Ornamental trees are often smaller in caliper and may establish more quickly, but the first 60 days remain critical.

Do not allow the tree to experience significant drought stress during hot August weather.

Japanese Maple care

Provide afternoon shade during periods of extreme heat. Summer leaf scorch on Japanese Maples is frequently related to heat and insufficient moisture.

Water the root zone rather than spraying the foliage overhead. Water remaining on the leaves during intense sunlight may contribute to leaf damage.

Mulch

Apply 2–3 inches of mulch while keeping it clear of the trunk. Ornamental trees may be especially susceptible to crown rot when mulch is piled directly against the bark.

Watering

Water every 2–3 days for the first 3–4 weeks. Gradually reduce watering to once or twice per week as the plants begin to establish.

These plants generally establish more quickly than trees. By mid-summer, many will be increasingly self-sufficient, depending on rainfall, soil and site conditions.

Ornamental grasses

Do not cut ornamental grasses back when planting. Leave the existing foliage in place and cut the plants back firmly in early spring before new growth begins.

Deciduous shrubs

Some leaf drop after transplanting is a normal stress response. Continue watering consistently and watch for healthy new growth.

Mulch

Apply 1–2 inches of mulch around perennials and shrubs to prevent the soil from drying too quickly between waterings.