Plant Care

New plantings should be thoroughly watered every 7-10 days during average weather conditions (with less watering when rainfall is available and more frequently during the hot dry summer months especially for smaller, shallower plantings.).  It is important to make sure the water penetrates the depth of the root ball.  During the winter months watering is essential once or twice a month when snow cover is not present.  A good soaking is accomplished with a deep root feeder or by slowly trickling water from a hose at the base of the planting.

A lower nitrogen fertilizer such as a 10-10-10 mix is best for tree and shrub use. Use in spring to give plants best assist in growth.

All trees provided with staking should be left so for a period of two winters to help develop  a sturdy root system.  Also, shake trees and shrubs after heavy snowfall to prevent damage to limbs.  Thin barked trees, such as honey locust and maple, should be wrapped with tree wrap applied about mid-September and left until mid-May.

All plant materials installed by NLS Inc. have been given a root fertilizer and should not require additional fertilization this year.  In following years a good tree and shrub fertilizer will encourage your plantings to grow their best.

Sod Care

 New sod lawns must be kept moist for a period of 2-4 weeks.  This generally means daily watering for the first 2 weeks and every other day subsequently.  Watering during warm, dry periods during the winter will also give plantings a faster start in spring. 

It is important to allow the grass roots to knit into the soil before mowing.  To make sure this is occurring, lift a corner of sod and check for root growth into the soil 2-3 weeks after installation.  The new sod should be mowed when it becomes 4” high.  Then a weekly mowing should occur leaving the sod at a 2-3” height range.   

Your lawn was fertilized when installed.  I recommend that you fertilize twice during the growing season with a fertilizer with a slow-release nitrogen base and once in the fall with a “winterizer” fertilizer. 

Irrigation Care & Warranty

 Sprinkler systems should be winterized each fall in mid-October and checked over and heads adjusted each spring for best efficiency. 

A new irrigation system installation comes with a one year guarantee and price includes first year winterization.  Labor and new parts on a modified system come with a one year warranty. 

Deck & Wood Care

 All deck and wood surfaces should be treated annually or so with a penetrating type wood preservative to protect them and keep them from drying out.