Trees and Shrubs
During the hot summer weather, water established shrubs and small trees once a week. Newly planted trees and shrubs should be watered 2-3 times weekly for the first year when there is insufficient rainfall. Water new plantings for 20 minutes for shrub areas and small trees and 30 minutes for larger trees, using a slow trickle from a hose so that the water is absorbed and does not run off. Water at the root ball.

Established Lawn Areas
During the summer months, it is recommended to water the lawn to prevent stress to the root system and an undesirable look. I dry weather , the grass will become dormant, but it will revive after any measurable rainfall. When watering the lawn it is best to do so in the morning because there is less wind, lower temperatures, less evaporation, more time for grass roots to absorb water. This also allows time for grass blades to dry out by nightfall, discouraging fungus disease. Do not water during the hottest part of the day, because water is lost to evaporation. Water lawn after 5:00pm is watering in the morning is not possible.

Sod Lawn Installed
Proper watering is the most important step in establishing a sod lawn. Immediately after installation apply approximately one inch of water.  One inch of water can be measure by placing a can under the sprinkler and watching how long it takes to fill to one inch. continue to soak the sod at least once a day depending on the weather for the next 1 to14 days. The turf must be kept moist until the sod is firmly rooted. Keep in mind the turf near buildings or pavement will dry faster because of reflective heat, Make sure you overlap the watering areas to get corners and edges.

New sod will be very soft for a few weeks. Stay off of it as much as as you can during this time. You may want to tie a string to the sprinkler so you can move it without walking on the wet area. Sod is wet when it is installed. When it dries out, it will shrink and make gaps between rolls. You must not let this happen. It won\'t expand again. After 10-14 days, gently pull up on a piece of sod. If it does not come up easily, it is rooting in, you can start to back off on the watering. The the lawn will start to firm up. The best time to water is in the morning or evening. On very hot, dry days, it may need to be watered twice daily.

We recommend a nitrogen rich fertilizer. This should be applied four or five times a year, which should be adequate. Mowing can be done two to three weeks after installation. Set your mower high for the first few cuttings. Do not thatch, apply Weed and Feed, or or apply any weec control product far at least one year because the lawn will be too tender. Thatching can be done every one to three ears when needed.