Frost Tender Plants

Some of your plants may be frost tender. You must cover these plants with fabric when the temperature drops below 35°.

Granite

Rocks are a natural product and will vary in size and color from delivery to delivery. Minus or decomposed rock contains 60-80% crushed granite sand. Screened rock contains approximately 40-60% crush granite sand, and sized rock contains approximately 20% crushed granite sand.

Weed Control

Pre-emergent, applied twice per year, is the best weed control agent in granite areas. Plastic overlays are no longer used. Some weed growth will occur even after treatment and should be manually removed.

Tree Staking

The standard stake applied with your tree is NOT able to withstand high winds. You must replace the stakes and cables to provide proper support as your tree becomes larger.

Water Drainage

Your yard has been pre-graded by your builder to drain water off your property (or into a retention basin). The landscaping design is built around your drainage plan.

Termite Barrier

In order to prevent termites, your home’s foundation perimeter has been treated with a chemical. Plants are not allowed to be installed within this 24″ perimeter.

An automated irrigation system saves you water and much more!

Save Water

The system is more convenient and efficient than manual watering-only the right amount of water is applied, where and when it is needed, which minimizes waste.

Save Time

The system operates automatically-on a pre-programmed schedule-to efficiently water your landscape, even when you’re away from home.

Save Money

The less water you use, the lower your water bill.

Increase Your Property Value

According to the National Association of Realtors, housing resale values increase by up to 15% when landscapes are well maintained-and an automated irrigation system is the most efficient way to get those results.

Here are some practical tips to help you have a lush, green landscape while using less water!

Don’t Drown

The greatest waste of water comes from applying too much, too often-much of the water is never absorbed. Instead of watering for one long session, water a few times for shorter periods and take 15-minute breaks between each session. This will allow water to soak in, while minimizing runoff.

Watch the Clock

Water between 5 am and 10 am-when the sun is low, winds are calm and temperatures are cool. Mid-day watering tends to be less efficient because of water loss due to evaporation and windy conditions during the day. Watering in the evening isn’t a good idea either because leaves can remain wet overnight-an open invitation for fungus to grow. By watering in the morning, leaves have a chance to dry out during the day.

Divide by Zones

Different plants need different amounts of water. Divide your yard and landscape areas into separate irrigation zones so that grass can be watered separately and more frequently than groundcovers, shrubs and trees. Both sprinkler and drip irrigation can be incorporated to achieve more efficient use of water.

Water Only Things That Grow

If you have an underground sprinkler system, make sure the sprinkler heads are adjusted properly to avoid watering sidewalks and driveways. A properly adjusted sprinkler head should spray large droplets of water instead of a fine mist to minimize evaporation and wind drift.

Consider Dripping

When it comes to watering individual trees, flowerbeds, potted containers or other non-grassy areas, consider applying water directly to the roots using low volume drip irrigation. This will reduce water waste through evaporation or runoff, and will prevent unwanted weeds from growing.

Do Routine Inspections

Since lawns and gardens should be watered in the early morning hours, a problem may not be discovered until it is too late. Periodically check your sprinklers to make sure everything is working properly. A clogged head or a torn line can wreak havoc on your landscape and water bill.

Be Rain Smart

Adjust your irrigation systems as the seasons and weather change-or better yet-install a shut-off device that automatically detects rain or moisture. These devices are inexpensive and enable you to take advantage of the water without having to pay for it.

Water Schedule Tips

Below charts some standard and water efficient times and durations to water your plants, trees and sod.

Sodded Lawn

All turf is a form of bermuda, therefore, your lawn will go dormant (turf brown) in the cooler months unless it has been overseeded with winter rye grass.

New turf will require water two to three times per day for three to five minutes each interval for the first three weeks. During this time, do not walk on the turf area. After three weeks, reduce the watering to once per day for 10-12 minutes at sunrise.

New turf will be uneven. Turf areas will level out over time with weekly mowing. If you desire a quicker leveling, you may fix seams and low spots with a mixture of 50% sand and 50% fine garden mulch.

Mowing should start after the 1st two weeks. Make sure your sod is dry on the day you mow. Mow at a higher setting for the first 90 days.

In summer, fertilize with ammonium sulfate (21-0-0) every 30 days, and gypsum every 45 days. In winter (for winter rye) fertilize with ammonia nitrate (34-0-0) every 30 days and gypsum every 45 days. No fertilizer is required in the winter if you choose not to overseed your lawn.