Provide adequate water to new plantings until they are established. Typically, one or two full growing seasons are required for roots to extensively develop into surrounding soil. Check for water needs in the old root ball, not in the new planting hole. Fertilize according to soil test indications. Avoid over-fertilizing new plantings.
Fertilizers are salts that can dehydrate tender new root growth.
After plants are established in the landscape, maintenance needs can be minimized by following correct maintenance procedures on a timely basis. Following are some suggestions to reduce the time and amount of maintenance necessary in established landscapes. Watch for disease and insect outbreaks regularly. Pests are much easier to control if they are affecting only a few leaves or one branch. By the time they spread to several plants or an entire shrub border, they will be more difficult to control.