How to Care For Your New Landscape Installation


Aftercare Instructions

Congratulations on the installation of your recent project!

Initial and ongoing aftercare and maintenance is required to ensure years of enjoyment and a thriving landscape. Please read below and educate yourself on the best practices for success.

The R&S Team is available to assist and answer any questions. 

Proper Watering Is Critical To The Success Of Your Landscape


Watering Instructions For New Plants

 The frequency and amount of water to apply depends on a variety of factors including temperature, season, soil consistency, root system and soil. Plant Watering We recommend using a hand-held hose without a nozzle when watering your plants. Each plant must be watered individually. It is best to allow the water to soak into the base of each shrub or tree. A quick watering by spraying plants from a distance with a hose spray nozzle is not... Read More

Watering and Mowing Instructions


Seeded Lawn Aftercare Instructions

New Seed Watering Instructions All seeded areas should be lightly moistened to keep the soil dark with moisture. Soil must never become dry after seeding. Soil dries out very fast on sunny and windy days. Watering throughout the day multiple times- morning, noon, and night is best. Do not over water and try to avoid puddles. Watering once a day will not be adequate... Grass can germinate in as few as 5 days or up to 3... Read More

Important Care For Your New Sod Installation


Sod Aftercare Instructions

Watering Instructions It is critical that new sod is thoroughly and consistently watered until it has completely rooted. This will take up to three weeks. All areas must be kept moist. Special attention of edges bordering sidewalks and patios is needed as these areas will dry out faster and require additional water. Water should penetrate 2” below sod and into soil. You can check if enough water has been applied by lifting a corner, the soil under... Read More

Guard From Insects, Mulch, Deer & Winter Elements


Plant Protection

Insect & Disease Control Throughout the growing season check plants for signs of insects or disease such as leaf discoloration and distorted growth. If you notice abnormality in your plants’ appearance and cannot identify the insect or disease, call to have one of our Specialty Gardeners come to your property to diagnose the problem and recommend proper treatment. Mulch Plant beds and roots should be covered with 2 of shredded bark mulch. Mulch helps conserve water, control... Read More

Helpful Tips For the 2nd Season & Beyond


Fertilization Instructions For New Plants

Fertilization Our team fertilized your plants when they were installed. No additional fertilization is required the first growing season To protect your new plants, annual deep root fertilization is strongly recommended. Fertilization promotes new growth, hardiness and color; relieves stress; reverses the effects of aging and nature; and counteracts damage due to insects or disease. Fertilization also replaces essential nutrients lost to leaching and competition with weeds. Ask about our summer and winter plant protection packages for... Read More

Annual Pruning is Key for Healthy Plants & Perennials


Pruning Instructions For New Plants & Perennials

Newly installed plants may initially show a few brown branches due to transplanting and handling. Brown or dead branches should be removed with a hand-pruner. Annual pruning is key for maintaining the shape and health of your new plantings. Use the following guide for maintenance pruning: It is recommended that a professional prune your shrubs or trees annually. This will ensure that the plant is pruned correctly and at the appropriate time year. Schedule Flowering plant material... Read More

Keep Your Sprinkler System In Top Shape


Irrigation System Aftercare Instructions

Congratulations on the purchase of your new sprinkler system. The following information should answer many of the questions you may have, as well as serve as a reference in the future. Your new sprinkler system will work tirelessly to care for your lawn, saving you both money and time. When it's operating at optimal conditions, your sprinkler system is just about unnoticeable and tends to be forgotten. Manual Water Shut-offs There may be times when you are... Read More

Frequently Asked Questions About Irrigation Systems


Irrigation Systems FAQ

What should I do if my irrigation system is not coming on? Check to make sure that the water valve in the basement is turned on, with the handle parallel to the piping. Check to make sure that the backflow prevention device is also turned on, with the handles perpendicular to the pipes. Is the clock plugged in, and power to the controller? If the clock has no display you need to reset the GFI to activate... Read More

Getting To Know Your New Lighting System


Lighting System Maintenance

Congratulations on the purchase of your new lighting system. The following information should answer many of the questions you may have about your new lighting system, as well as serve as a reference in the future. Here are the major components of your new lighting system Transformer The transformer, the black or silver box commonly mounted outside your home is the control system & power source of your lighting system. The transformer takes line voltage 110V and... Read More

Easy Maintenance Tips For Your Drainage System


Drainage System Maintenance

Landscape drainage systems require annual inspection and maintenance. If your downspouts are connected or piped underground to a seepage pit, pop up drain or trenched to a curb/street outlet or if you have a drain basin or grate in the driveway, patio or garden then annual inspection is required. This article will give you some easy maintenance tips. A drain basin, normally a 24” box that is installed flush with the ground has a top grate which... Read More

Get the Most Out of Your Investment for Years to Come


Tips To Make Your Pavers Last Longer

Paver Patios, Walkways & Driveways are a popular hardscape material choice. Installing pavers is an investment that needs to be protected with maintenance. Without proper care and maintenance your paver investment can quickly become a slippery, weed & moss filled hazard much to your embarrassment. Regular maintenance is absolutely necessary to get the most out of your paver walk, patio or driveway and keeping it looking like new. The reason we recommend annual maintenance is to prevent... Read More

Smart Irrigation Techniques


Watering 101 for Your Lawn & Landscape

Every drop of water counts for your thirsty landscape and your water bill! The heat and high temperatures of the summer can stress your new as well as your established landscape, making it susceptible to pests and diseases. Keeping your landscape healthy and in top condition through this difficult time reinforces the health of your investment. Smart Watering Tips for Plants When watering a plant or tree with a hose, we recommend removing the spray nozzle and... Read More

Wrap Around a Tree & Fill It With Water


Gator Bag Watering Instructions

There comes a point where it becomes impractical to extend a drip irrigation line too far into your yard or to a remote setting of your landscape. A Gator Bag installed around your trees and shrubs can alleviate this problem. Gator Bags are made of a green UV-protected plastic that hold water to release over a period of time. The water is released via two small holes at the bottom of the bag which eliminates any run... Read More