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Annual Maintenance Program

Maintenance Procedure Early/Mid Spring Mid/Late Spring Early/Mid Summer Mid/Late Summer Early/Mid Fall Mid/Late Fall Winter
Mowing Roll before mowing if sod is lifted by frost Mow weekly. Adjust mower to summer cut height Mow 1-3 times a week as required Mow 1-3 times a week (set mower higher in dry periods) Adjust height of cut as growth rate slows Set mower to winter cut height Lightly mow if there is new growth
Watering   May be needed in dry regions Water as necessary Water well in dry periods Occasionally water if dry    
Fertilizing   Apply spring fertilizer Summer fertilizer   Apply fall/winter fertilizer    
Aerating & Scarifying De-thatch if necessary when dry enough Lightly scarify     Spike or slit areas subject to heavy wear Aerate lawn if not done in early fall  
Weed & moss control     Apply weed-killer   Apply contract weed-killer if not applied in early summer    
Pest & disease control Check for snow mold. Rake lawn if present.   Look for chinch bug and treat if found Look for white grubs and diseases      
Other Procedures Re-cut edges if required.  Carry out any restoration work.       Top-dress after fall renovation Remove fallen leaves Remove leaves.  Service tools

Maintenance Instructions

  1. Apply lawn fertilizer with a broadcast type spreader. Water immediately after application. Ratios shown are approximations. The represent nitrogen-N, Phosphorous-P, and Potassium-K. A 15-5-10 ratio indicates 15%N, 5%P, and 10%K. Fertilizers with 30-40% slow release nitrogen are recommended during the summer months.
  2. Weed control can be combined with fertilizer if done by a commercial lawn care company. We do not recommend using granular "weed and feed" products.
  3. Watering varies with soil type, temperature and degree of exposure. A soil probe can be purchased and used to check soil moisture. In general, south and west exposures require more water, north and east exposures require less. Water only when additional moisture is needed.
  4. Crane-fly control should be done between March 1st and April 15th. Excessive bird activity, small holes 1/8" to ¼" or thinning in lawn areas are possible signs of crane-fly activity. Insecticide application can be combined with fertilization if done by a commercial lawn care company.
  5. Fertilize trees, shrubs, and ground covers with a balanced fertilizer approximately 10-10-10 ratio. We recommend a rhododendron food with micro-nutrients. Apply per manufacturers recommendations.
  6. Always read the label when applying pesticides. We recommend contracting with a commercial lawn care company for this service.
  7. Add bark mulch to planting beds to maintain a depth of approximately 1-1/2". Re-mulching every other year is usually sufficient. Avoid placing mulch over the crown of your plants.
  8. Each plant requires specific pruning techniques. Consult the library of garden center for the reference material on techniques and timing.
  9. Winter protection if excessive cold temperatures (below 15F) are expected, broadleaf evergreens may be treated with an anti-transparent to reduce desiccation. Plants under eaves should be watered once per month during the winter.
  10. The irrigation system should be winterized in November.

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