PRESS
Look for articles about us in:
Chicagoland Gardening, March 2004
Garden Ideas and Outdoor Living,
A Better Homes and Gardens publication, on the newsstand for 3 months beginning April 1, 2004
The Chicago Tribune, Your Place, Friday March 26, 2004
Your new plants have been carefully selected (often from several sources), transported with great care, and expertly planted. It is very unusual for plants to die when they have been carefully chosen for their specific site conditions and our care instructions have been followed.
Please be aware that your newly planted balled and burlapped trees and shrubs have undergone the equivalent of major surgery. They need intensive care and frequent monitoring if they are to recover rapidly from the trauma of losing 80 to 95% of their root systems to the nursery spade.
You are a critical link in your landscape’s health. Diligent observation of your landscape will yield many fascinating discoveries and a stronger connection to the natural world.
Please read our guarantee carefully. It does not cover abuse or neglect.
WATERING
You will need to test soil moisture in (not around) the root ball twice per week when the ground is not frozen. Push your finger into the root ball 1 1/2” to 2”. If your finger comes out moist with soil clinging to it, soil moisture is good and no watering is needed. Also observe each species of plant before and again a few hours after watering to note what the leaves should look like when water is adequate. Observe your plants more than twice per week during extremely hot and dry conditions. Most, if not all, of your trees and shrubs have been provided with “saucers”, or circular earthen dams a few inches high. When watering, fill each saucer once, let the water soak in, then water a second time, again letting the water soak in. Repeat a third and final time.
Remember that in hot dry weather a root ball can dry out in just a few days even though the surrounding soil remains moist. Watering a large installation of many newly planted trees and shrubs can take many hours per week during extended dry spells. If you are unable to do this because of a busy schedule or vacation, hire someone reliable, or call us to get help for and additional fee. We know of people who have gone on vacation for 7-10 days during very hot and dry weather and returned to plants with leaves like corn flakes and losses of 50 to 60%.
When watering your plants, always spray the leaves (top and bottom) and branches until the water runs off. Do this in addition to watering the root ball. Trees larger than 2” caliper and shrubs taller than 3’ will usually require more than just one growing season of intensive care. Add one year of special care for each additional inch of caliper for trees, and one year for shrubs over 3’ tall.
Even after trees and shrubs are well established, they should be watered generously during periods of drought. It can be easy to over-water, especially if the plant’s location is poorly drained.
FERTILIZING
Do not fertilize until at least one season after planting. The use of organic fertilizers (manure, compost, etc.) is highly recommended. Apply over the entire root zone and remember that roots can grow well past the side branches in just two or three years.
PRUNING
Pruning of dead, broken, or crossed branches will probably be the only pruning necessary. Study the natural form and branching habit before thinning or renewal pruning. Do not give your shrubs “crew cuts” or allow maintenance personnel free range with hedge shears. Most, if not all, of the plants that we have planted in your landscape are intended to take their natural form and have been selected and spaced with their mature size in mind.
MULCHING
2” or 3” of mulch around the base of your trees and shrubs will retain moisture in the soil, avoid wide soil temperature swings, help control weeds, and add humus and nutrients to the soil upon decomposition
FINALLY
If you do not understand any of these instructions and guidelines, it is your responsibility to call us for clarification. We’ll be glad to help!
We hope you will enjoy the richness and diversity of your new landscape as much as we have enjoyed planning and planting it.