Turf

Q: How often should I water my lawn?
Adequate water is the key ingredient in a newly sodded lawn. We recommend a thorough soaking immediately following installation. Avoid walking on new grass during this period, as soggy spots will be present and can create "holding" areas of water if much traffic occurs. Daily water (more frequent in summer months) will be required during the first two weeks. If water begins standing in your lawn, give it a break for a day or two.

Once your lawn is established, we recommend supplemental watering enough to equal around 1 inch total water per week. This is usually done by watering each rotor zone of your irrigation system 10 minutes every other day. Natural rainfall will lessen the frequency of supplemental watering.

We are available by appointment to come out and audit your irrigation system and site conditions. This will enable us to make adjustments based on your specific needs.

Measure precipitation using a rain gauge or an empty tuna can placed in a few different areas of your yard.

Q: When should I fertilize my lawn?
If you have Centipede or St. Augustine: Fertilize with 1 lb Nitrogen per 1000sq ft in June.

If you have Bermuda or Zoysia: Fertilize with a well balanced fertilizer high in Nitrogen every month during the grow season.

If you have Fescue: Fertilize with 1 lb Nitrogen per 1000sq ft in Sept, Nov, and Feb. Fertilizing too late in the Spring can result in excessive fungal activity (brown patch).

Shrubbery

Q: When should I prune my shrubs?
All shrubs should be pruned at least once per year in order to promote desirable growth from the bottom branches upward. Any time of year is okay, with late winter being optimal . Maintain desired size and shape of shrubs as needed by pruning.

Q: When should I fertilize my shrubs?
Fertilize all trees and shrubs with a slow release fertilizer with an analysis of 14-14-14 or similar in early Spring and again in mid-Summer. Do not fertilize after August 15th.

Q: How often should I water my shrubs?
Water is the key to insuring establishment the first year. By the second year, all plants should be established enough to acclimate to naturally provided water, except during extremes. FREQUENTLY SUPPLEMENT WATERING THE FIRST YEAR TO PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT! Don't forget to follow this regiment in the Winter also, as most Winter injury is actually the result of drought before severe cold. Water slowly to ensure soil penetration. This is called 'deep watering'. If using an automatic irrigation system, monitor conditions regularly and make adjustments according to specific areas and the season. Not all areas will need the same amount of water. Be aware of soggy areas and try to correct precipitation amounts, as root-rot may become an issue.

Irrigation

Q: What kind of irrigation system do you install?
We install high quality commercial grade RainBird and Hunter products.

Q: Does my Irrigation System need to be winterized?
Yes, most likely. This process removes the Back Flow Device (usually installed above ground per code requirements) and relieves any pressure in the main and latteral lines. The back flow will need to be re-installed prior to use the following spring.

Maintenance

Q: Can I hire Old Mill Stream to do my maintenance?
Yes. We engage in both irrigation maintenance work and landscape maintenance work. We do not mow grass, but can oversee this for you. All other parts of your landscape maintenance (pruning, fertilizing, spraying, mulching) are handled in-house by our staff.