How often should I water?
New sod should be kept moist. Depending on the weather, the sod should be watered one to three times daily so that the soil on the new sod is moist and pliable. After the sod is rooted in about three weeks, water less frequently and longer in duration. Small spray heads need to run ten to twenty minutes, and larger rotor heads need to run thirty to forty five minutes. If you are establishing a new lawn you will need to follow the guidelines established by Colorado Springs Utilities.

The root area of newly planted trees and shrubs needs to be kept moist, but not soaking wet. Monitor the moisture by feeling the soil at the base of the plant. Please do not over water your new sod and plantings.

What about mowing?
Do I need to wait until the sod roots? Mow the new sod as you would an established lawn. Do not wait too long to mow, or the sod will be shocked. Bluegrass sod should be cut at a height of 2 1/2 to 3". Do not cut off more than 1" of new growth when mowing.

Do I need to fertilize? Spray for weeds or pests?
Fertilize your sod every six to eight weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Weeds are rare in new sod, but if they appear, selectively spray them with broadleaf weed control.

Your new trees and shrubs were fertilized when planted and do not need fertilization the first season. After that, fertilize on a regular basis. We have had good success in color and vigor by using fertilizer available at Harding Nursery.

If weeds appear in rock or mulch beds, they can be pulled or sprayed with Roundup herbicide. Remember not to spray herbicide on plantings or they will die.

If you see signs of insect activity, determine the pest and control accordingly.

Always use fertilizers and pesticides in strict accordance with label directions.

What do I need to do with the sprinkler system?
Regularly monitor the system to ensure coverage and adequate run time. During cold weather (below freezing) make sure to quick drain your system by following the directions listed below.

How do I care for seeded areas?
If you water the seed, it will get off to a better start. Fertilization also helps the seed to establish. Do not apply weed control if there are wildflowers in the seed mix, and do not apply weed control on grass seed until after it is established. Remove the curlex netting after the seed is established.

How long should I leave the trees staked?
Generally one year, and two years for aspen or large evergreens. If you leave the stakes on for the second year, be sure to loosen the straps so that the tree can develop its own root system. Leaving the stakes on too long can create problems with the tree trunk and root growth.

The deer are picking on my plants!
You can cover plantings with netting or place Havahart electronic deer repellant devices in areas where the deer are eating plants. These devices can be purchased online at gardeners.com. Also wrap the trunks of trees, especially aspen, during the late summer to late winter months to prevent damage from antler rubs on the trunk.

What if I have other questions?
Remember we are only a phone call away. We are happy to answer any other questions you may have.

Thank you again. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Spring:
Spring is a great time to get your landscape off to a healthy start. Clean up fallen leaves and debris and freshen mulch areas as needed. Fertilize your plantings. We suggest using a granular nursery fertilizer as supplied by Harding Nursery. Also prune your plantings for shape and to remove any dead branches after all the leaves have come out. If you have ornamental grasses, blue mist spirea, gold flame spirea, or butterfly bush, cut them back to a height of 6-8" when you see new green growth at the base. Remove all the dead leaves from the small perennials, as they come back from the root. Please be patient. Not all plants leaf out at the same time. Depending on the weather, some plants may not leaf out until the end of May or early June. The weather also dictates when to activate your sprinkler system. Look for a stretch of above freezing temperatures before you turn on the sprinklers, and then monitor them for coverage. Please be prepared to drain the system in the event of cold weather or a storm.

Summer:
Hot weather and watering restrictions are the biggest challenge in the summer. Turf can lose its vigor and even go dormant during the heat of summer. This is nothing to worry about, as it will recover with more water and cooler temperatures. To help keep the turf in the best condition, keep a sharp mower blade, mow frequently at 2 ½-3" in height, monitor your sprinkler system, and use your watering days wisely. Remember, there are no watering restrictions on your drip irrigation! Look at csu.org for more information on watering restrictions and dealing with drought.

Trimming back or deadheading the perennials helps to produce more blooms and healthy plants.

Fall:
Fall is also a great time to help your landscaping to look good and enter the winter in good health. Take the time to trim back perennials and remove fallen leaves. Mow your lawn at a setting one notch lower than normal. Fertilize your lawn if you have not done so already. Cut back any native seeded areas for the winter.

Fall is also the time to blow out the lawn lines in your sprinkler system. Please call us or any sprinkler service contractor to perform this service. Most importantly, drain the system any time the weather is below freezing. Follow the directions below to prevent expensive plumbing repairs.

To Quick Drain Your Sprinkler System:
1. Turn off the main water shut off valve (A) which provides water to the system.
2. Open all inlet and outlet drain valves on the system (B & E)
3. Open all testcocks on the system (F)*
4. Open inlet and outlet shutoff valves on backflow prevention assembly (C & D)*
*Leave these valves and testcocks at a 45 degree angle, or half open/half closed position.
**Call Accent Landscapes to winterize the remainder of your system. 548-8000

Click here for printable draining instructions.

Winter:
Don't give up! This is the most important time of the year to water plants. It allows plants to live, but just as important, to thrive in the spring. Mark your calendar for bimonthly watering. Soak your lawn and trees manually. Don't forget to drain your hoses and disconnect them from the faucet after each use. You will be happy with the results in the spring.