FAQs

When do I fertilize my plants?

We recommend that you hold off for several months after our installation. Styer Landscaping has amended your soil prior to planting so the nutrients needed for the establishment of plants has already been supplied. After several months, if you know the correct time (depending on the type of plant), you may fertilize. General rule of thumb is spring-flowering shrubs (azaleas and rhododendron) get fertilized after they bloom, while evergreens (boxwoods and hollies) get fertilized in late winter. There are so many different plants with different requirements it is impossible to provide specific information without specifying the particular plant. We will advise you after the installation, but please feel free to call if you need additional information.

How much should I water?

Without trying to be over-simplistic, the correct answer is when the plant needs it. It is extremely difficult to tell how much to water without consulting Mother Nature. Heat and natural rainfall both play a very big part in how much to water. Monitor plants for signs of wilting and stress for several months. One inch per week of water is generally recommended for established plants, but a new installation requires a little bit more for several weeks. Our suggestions are:

• Trees and Shrubs- Water twice a week, thoroughly saturating the soil around the rootball and the rootball itself for a minimum of three weeks. Once the tree or shrubs have gone through the initial shock of planting, then a lighter watering twice a week will suffice until cooler weather appears. The soil or mulch should dry slightly between waterings, and the soil should never appear waterlogged.
• Sod- Sod needs to be watered at least daily, preferably twice a day, until it has taken root. It is important that the soil under the sod remains moist. To see if the sod has taken root, gently pull on the sod and see if it comes up. If it is difficult to pull up, then roots have begun to anchor the sod and it is actively growing. At this point, please water two to three times weekly until weather cools (early to late November).
• Perennials and ground covers- Twice a week watering is all that is required for most newly planted perennials and ground covers. Keep the soil moist but not saturated, and allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

Some of my plants have brown tips, what does this mean?

Some browning at the tips are not unusual for newly planted or transplanted plants. It should not be excessive, however, so if it is you may need to increase the amount of water supplied to the plant.

Some of my plants are turning yellow; what does this mean?

Usually this means too much water. Let the soil dry out before watering.

What can I do about deer eating my plants and shrubs?

Deer Resistant Plants Many gardeners have experienced first-hand the frustration of having their beautiful landscaped flower beds eaten to the ground by deer. While deer can cause gardeners problems year-round, late winter to spring is usually the time of the year when deer pilfering is most destructive. Although there are no plants that can be guaranteed as being completely deer resistant, there are some plant varieties that deer seem to leave alone and some varieties that are favored by deer. Deer love evergreens such as Hosta, rhododendron and azalea. Deer also favor certain species of holly such as the Japanese and blue hollies. Daylilies, tulips and clematis are also favored by deer. Deer tend to stay away from fragrant plants such as peonies, salvias, lavender and bearded irises. Deer also tend to stay away prickly needle bearing shrubs. Other plants that deer shy away from are: Black- Eyed Susan Lenten Rose Baby’s Breath Poppy Catmint Snapdragon Daffodil Violet Forget-Me-Not Wisteria The plants listed above are just a small sampling of plants that fall into the deer resistant category.

What are Mycorrhizal Fungi and what are the Benefits to Plants?

Unless you are an experienced gardener or have studied horticulture, most likely you are not familiar with mycorrhizal fungi. Mycorrhizae are symbiotic relationships that form between fungi and plants. By colonizing(extending) the roots of vascular plants, the fungi allow plants to more easily absorb water and nutrients from a greater distance in the soil. The fungi offer greater protection to plants from certain diseases by suppressing pathogens. Studies have shown that most plants and vegetables grown in relationship with mycorrhizal fungi are taller, more bountiful and heathier than plants and vegetables grown without the benefit of the fungi. Although mycorrhizal fungi do exist naturally, in soil that has been disturbed by human activies the quantities of the fungi are decreased which significantly decreases the benefits. Our Styer Landscaping technicians receive ongoing training in best in class landscaping techniques and procedures. Understanding conditions when an additive such as mycorrhizal fungi should be used is just one example of how Styer goes that extra step to ensure the vitality and longevity of our landscape installations.

How should I care for new sod installations?

Care Instructions for New Sod Installations:  It is important that sod receives proper care, especially during the initial weeks after installation. Nearly all sod failures are due to poor watering practices. Daily temperatures determine the amount of water that sod requires. The higher the temperature- the more water the sod needs. Temperature (degrees) 32 -60 -Every other day for two weeks. 60 -85 -Once a day for two weeks 85 and above - Twice a day for two weeks. How Much Water at Each Application- ½ inch After established (10-14 days), the sod will need 1 ½ inches of water a week, especially during the first year. It is better to water deep 2x a week than shallow water every day. Traffic on Sod •Stay off sod that is extremely wet or on a slope. •Use sod sparingly until well rooted-(2-3 weeks). •Avoid concentrated play, dog traffic and rough use for 4 weeks. Styer Landscaping specializes in sod installation. Call us today for a free estimate-804 749-1999.

What are some tips to help me care for my plants?

Styer Landscaping-Plant Care Tips... Our team members get asked about the best ways to care for plants after installation. We’ve provided answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. As always, Styer is here to take the worry out of maintaining your outdoor environment. Call for a free estimate on installing the landscape of your dreams. How much should I water my plants? -Heat and natural rainfall both play a very big part in how much you should water. Plants should be monitored for signs of wilting and stress for several months after planting, particularly in mid-summer. One inch per week of water is generally recommended for established plants, but new installations require more water for several weeks as roots become established. Our suggestions are: Trees and Shrubs should be watered twice a week for a minimum of three weeks by thoroughly saturating both the soil around the root ball and the root ball itself. Once the trees or shrubs have gone through the initial shock of planting, a lighter watering twice a week should suffice. The soil or mulch should dry slightly between watering. Sod needs to be watered daily, preferably twice a day, until it has taken root. It is important that the soil under the sod remains moist. To see if the sod has taken root, gently pull on the sod to see if it comes up. If it is difficult to pull up, then roots have begun to anchor and the sod is actively growing.

What is aerating and when should I aerate and overseed?

Time to Aerate and Overseed Your Lawn What is aeration? Aeration involves removing small plugs from the lawn to allow air, water and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots. The plugs are left on the lawn to break down and provide nutrients back into the root system. Why is aeration and overseeding needed? Aeration helps reduce soil compaction and allows water to reach deep through the root zone. This benefits microorganism living in the soil. These organisms break down existing thatch, improve soil quality and release additional nutrients. Overseeding repairs the lawn by introducing new grass to fill in bare or thin areas as well as thickening existing turf. When is the best time to aerate and overseed your lawn? The best time to aerate and overseed your lawn is in the fall due to the warm days and cool nights. Additionally, weeds are slow to germinate due to the cooler temperatures which allow the grass seedlings to grow before winter arrives. What are the benefits of aerating and overseeding?  Aeration reduces soil compaction. Loose soil allows grass roots to plunge deeper into the soil to find water resources.  Aeration reduces thatch. Excessive thatch creates an environment that is favorable to pests and disease.  Aeration enhances seed germination. Seeds germinate easier in aerator holes.  Most importantly, aerating and overseeding improves the beauty of your lawn.