Plant Care Guide
Stauffer Lawn & Landscape
Helping Your Garden Thrive Beautifully
Proper plant care plays a key role in the successful establishment of your new landscape. Most plants grown in our region are well-suited to local conditions and, with consistent care, will develop into a healthy and attractive garden. A little attention early on goes a long way toward long-term success. For additional guidance or support, contact Stauffer Lawn & Landscape.
Adequate Moisture Supply
Water is one of the most important factors in plant health, especially during the first year after planting. While air and sunlight are also essential, correct watering practices largely determine how well new plants establish. For trees, shrubs, and perennials, water when the top 1–2 inches of soil in the root zone feels dry. During hot or dry conditions, this may require watering up to three times per week.
It’s important to check soil moisture beneath mulch, as the surface may appear dry while the soil underneath remains moist. Always pull mulch back slightly to confirm soil conditions before watering. If the soil is dry, water deeply enough to moisten the root zone at least 1–2 inches below the surface.
Continue regular watering throughout the first year, including colder months when the ground is not frozen. This helps encourage strong root development and long-term plant stability.
Some plants, including Redbuds, Roses, and Yews, are sensitive to overwatering. If a plant appears wilted but the soil is already wet, avoid adding more water.
After the first year, watering needs will decrease as roots become established. During dry periods, water using the same soil-moisture guidelines. Always water at the drip line—the area beneath the outer edge of the plant canopy—rather than near the base of the trunk or stem.
Drip or slow watering methods are most effective, allowing moisture to soak into the soil while reducing evaporation. Avoid overhead watering late in the day, as wet foliage overnight can increase the risk of fungal issues.
To estimate watering duration for 1 inch of water:
- Place a shallow container (such as a tuna can) in the sprinkler area
- Run the irrigation system and time how long it takes to collect 1 inch of water
- Use that same time period when watering your landscape
It is always better to water less frequently but more deeply. If runoff occurs while the soil below remains dry, reduce water flow and extend watering time to allow better absorption.
Monitoring for Disease and Insect Issues
Pests and diseases typically appear when plants are under stress. Common warning signs include:
- Pale or stunted new growth
- Holes or ragged edges in leaves
- Leaves that appear skeletonized
- Sticky residue on stems or foliage
- Wilting or dropping leaves despite adequate watering
- Visible insect activity
- Dead or declining stems and foliage
The best protection against pests and disease is maintaining overall plant health. Stress caused by poor drainage, compacted soil, inconsistent watering, or extreme weather can weaken plants and make them more vulnerable. Regular observation helps catch issues early, but some environmental factors are unavoidable. If problems develop, additional treatment may be required. Contact our team for assistance if you notice concerning changes.
Proper Fertilization
Landscape plants are selected based on their suitability to site conditions and typically require minimal fertilization at planting. However, routine feeding can support strong root growth, healthy foliage, and consistent flowering.
As plants grow, they naturally use nutrients in the soil that must be replenished over time. Slow-release fertilizers are recommended at the beginning of the growing season for most ornamental plants and annuals.
Soil health is influenced by more than just nutrient levels. For best results, a soil test through your local extension service can help identify specific amendments if needed. Fertilizer applications should always follow product label instructions, as over-fertilizing can harm plants.
Pruning and Deadheading
Newly planted trees and shrubs generally should not be pruned for at least one year unless necessary. When pruning is required, always follow proper techniques specific to the plant type and growth habit.
Flowering shrubs should be pruned based on whether they bloom on old or new wood. Plants that flower on old growth should be pruned shortly after blooming, while those that flower on new growth can be pruned before or after flowering.
Deadheading—the removal of spent blooms—can improve appearance and encourage additional flowering in certain plants such as spirea and shrub roses. This can be done by hand or with clean, sharp pruning tools.
Avoid removing more than one-third of a plant’s total growth at one time during active growth periods. Over-pruning, especially in some evergreen species, may result in permanent bare areas where new growth will not return.
Proper maintenance practices are essential for the long-term success of your landscape. Please note that our plant guarantee applies only to professionally installed materials maintained with appropriate care.
This guarantee does not cover damage caused by neglect, extreme weather, vandalism, or conditions beyond normal environmental limits. Certain specialty or sensitive plant varieties may also have limited coverage. Labor for replacements is not included and will be billed separately where applicable.
