Info. Center:  FAQ:   Top Landscape/Planting Mistakes

1. Not Watering Enough!
   Water 2-3 times a week in hot, dry weather
   Long, slow soaking, not frequent shallow waterings
2. Watering Too Much!
   If the ground is wet, or soggy, DON'T water!
   Clay soil does not drain well
3. Planting Too Deep!
   Raise root  ball for good drainage
4. Mulching Too Deep!
   2-3 inches, maximum
   Don't pile mulch against base of plant
5. Not Amending Soil Properly!
   Add organic material
   Use Planting Mix, NOT potting soil
   or add top soil, peat moss, and humus or composted manure
6. Putting the Wrong Plant in the Wrong Place!
   Know your plants preference for sun/shade/moisture
7. Planting Too Close to Foundation!
   Most shrubs needs to be at least 3 feet off foundation
8. Not Edging Planting Beds!
   Edging defines bed
   Edging keeps mulch in place
9. Planting Food For Deer!
   Select deer resistant varieties
10. Failure to Fertilize!
    Fertilize in Spring and Fall
    or use a slow release fertilizer according to the directions
11. Over-fertilizing or fertilizing at the wrong time of year!
    Use a slow release organic fertilizer such as Plant-tone and follow application guidelines for proper results.
12. Pruning too late in the season!
    This will cause new growth to be damaged by winter cold.
13. Over planting your area!
    Make sure you know how large your nursery stock will grow. Don't have to dig up your investment 5 years later.
14. Purchasing plants that are not ready to be planted!
    Sometimes in early spring you will see plants that come from southern growers (rose bushes, azaleas, annuals,etc.) in stores way too early to plant. Talk to your professional nursery before losing tender plants to cold weather.

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