Keeping landscapes beautiful

Achieving your dream landscape is just the first step. To maximize its beauty—and your investment—it requires regular maintenance.

For optimal results, consider professional maintenance services. Consistent pruning and trimming by K & K Landscaping’s maintenance experts helps ensure that your landscape retains its beauty, giving back to you for many years to come.

Care instructions for new landscaping

Watering
Watering is a necessity for your plants and trees to survive.  All shrubbery should be watered every other day for three weeks and two times weekly throughout the remainder of the year. Transplanted shrubbery should be treated the same as new shrubbery.  It is important that water reaches the root system. Water on foliage for prolonged periods can cause fungus and/or burning of the leaves.  The best time to water is in the morning; watering anytime is better than not watering at all.  If you are concerned as to whether you are watering too much or not enough, pull the mulch away from the base of the plant and probe with your finger. The soil should be saturated down through, but should not be 5 to 6 inches of mud.  Watering should be cut back during rainy periods, as long as a sufficient amount of rain has fallen. Downpours under hot conditions do not count; again, the best way to tell is to move mulch back from the base of the plant and probe with your finger.

Large trees will require greater amounts of water – the best way to water large trees is to lay a hose at the base of the tree, set it on a trickle for approximately 30 to 40 minutes.

Sprinklers can be used but, because they are not as effective, it may require letting them run for 1 to 2 hours to achieve desired amount of moisture at the roots. Hand watering is time consuming and it is necessary to spray on with a shower, not a jet, to prevent water runoff and promote saturation. Soaker hoses are a great option because they are very efficient, allowing watering of many plants at one time with very little wasted water. (If interested in soaker hoses, ask your salesperson for more information.)

Pruning and Shapping
Pruning of shrubs typically is not required for six months from the date of installation; however, some species may require pruning/shaping sooner. It is recommended that shrubs be pruned two times per year to keep their desired shape and size. Lack of pruning leads to decreased sunlight in the center of the shrubs, leading to internally dead areas that will not regenerate. When you decide that you should cut this shrub way back, it is too late and you are forced to remove it and replace it with a smaller one.  Pruning prolongs your investment and gives you many more years of enjoyment.

Natural pruning is achieved with hand pruners or loppers and formal pruning is achieved with gas or electric shearers. 

Ornamental grasses should be cut to within 2 or 3 inches above grade in early March.

Weeds in beds
Granular pre-emergent herbicides or landscape fabrics can greatly reduce the amount of weeds, but, nothing last forever. One of these materials may be used in your landscape depending on your contract.  Weeds will grow in time and that is normal. We recommend hand pulling and getting the weed by the root. A non-selective herbicide such as Round-Up can be used as long as care is taken to avoid over spraying on shrubs and perennials (Always follow labeling directions.).

Ponds
There is little maintenance required with your AquaScapes Pond. Because it is a living, breathing ecosystem, it naturally breaks down debris that has fallen before the mechanical skimmer has a chance to remove it. 

Filters in biofalls should be cleaned in early April and dry bacteria added for two weeks. 

If pond is located where there are many trees, a see-through, mesh cover is recommended to prevent leaves from entering pond in the Fall; after leaves have fallen off trees, cover can be removed so you can enjoy your pond all winter.

Paver Patio, Walkways, Driveways, Walls
We have either installed a concrete base or dry, compacted stone base under your hardscaping project. We recommend using SandLock Sand Stabilizer, a polymer that expands and contracts with the freeze and thaw, preventing sand migration and cutting down on weeds in the joints. If you choose to use regular bar sand, it may be necessary to sweep more sand into joints after pavers have settled. Never use salt on your pavers or any other concrete product. It is recommended to use a calcium based product. Sand can be used for tractions, but will not melt ice.

SOD
Sod cannot be over watered.  The rule of thumb is: when sod is finished being watered, you could loose your shoe when the sod is stepped on. Again, it is recommended that sod be watered in the morning; but, more importantly, it be watered heavily.  Do not cut for 3 weeks from the date of installation. Make sure it has been given 2 to 3 days to dry before cutting. Mower blades should be sharp. Remove excess clumps of grass with a rake.

Aerating and seeding
Since this treatment is typically done in the fall, the need for watering is not required.  However, if the fall season is off to a dry start, it is recommended that after your lawn is aerated and seeded, watering be done two times per week generously. This will help the seed to germinate properly. 

NOTE: Winter protection, insect control, fertilization and grub control are available for all lawns, trees and shrubs.

Contact K & K Landscaping today to discuss your maintenance needs with one of our trained technicians.