Maintain Your Landscape with our Care Guide:

Caring for Your Landscape

A well-maintained landscape doesn’t just look beautiful—it thrives. To keep your newly installed plants, trees, and lawn in peak condition, follow these essential care guidelines.

Watering Your Landscape 🌊

Watering is the most critical factor in ensuring your new landscape thrives. Middle Tennessee’s unpredictable weather can make watering tricky, but following these best practices will help your plants establish strong roots.

Creating a Watering Schedule for New Plants

• First 90 Days: Deep water twice a week to support healthy root establishment. Keep soil moist but not soggy to prevent root rot. 💡 Watering Tip: Consider using a moisture meter to check soil levels—available at our Garden Center for easy monitoring.*
• Adjust for Seasons: In hot, dry summers, water more often. In cooler months, reduce frequency. Observe plants and adjust as needed.

Watering During Dormancy

Even in winter, plants need moisture. Check soil regularly, especially before hard freezes. Dry plants are more vulnerable to winter burn, which causes brown, scorched-looking foliage.

• Irrigation Tip: If you use an irrigation system, plan to winterize it before prolonged freezing temperatures set in. Short dips below 32°F typically do not cause immediate damage, but extended freezes can. Drain pipes, insulate exposed parts, and shut off the system to prevent freezing damage. This is generally recommended in late fall (October-December), depending on the season’s conditions.*

Common Watering Mistakes & Signs to Watch For

• Overwatering – Leads to root rot and fungal diseases. Signs include wilting leaves that feel soft or mushy, yellowing foliage, and mold or fungus at the base of plants. Always check soil moisture 3-4 inches deep before watering. If it’s still moist, wait before watering again.
• Underwatering – Weakens plants, making them more vulnerable to stress, pests, and disease. Look for wilting leaves that feel dry and crispy, browning edges, and slow growth. Water deeply to encourage strong root growth.
• Wrong Timing – Watering at midday causes rapid evaporation, while watering at night can encourage fungus. Best time: Early morning.

The Benefits of Installing Irrigation

An irrigation system takes the guesswork out of watering, ensuring consistent care while conserving water. Automated systems adjust for weather conditions, preventing overwatering or drying out. By delivering water directly to plant roots, they reduce runoff, minimize evaporation, and save both time and money.

💧 Want a low-maintenance way to keep your landscape thriving? We offer expert irrigation installation and maintenance tailored to your needs. Contact us today to get started!

Managing Weeds in Your Landscape 🌿

Weeds compete with your plants for nutrients, water, and light. Without proper management, they can quickly take over.

How to Keep Weeds Under Control

• Monitor & Remove Early – Regularly check new beds for weeds and remove them before they establish deep roots. Hand-pulling is most effective when weeds are small.
• Use Mulch Effectively – A 2-3 inch layer of mulch blocks sunlight, helping to suppress weed growth. 💡 Mulching Tip: High-quality mulch provides the best weed suppression and soil benefits. We offer a variety of premium mulch options at our Garden Center to help keep your landscape healthy and beautiful.
• Consider Pre-Emergent Herbicides – These can prevent weed seeds from germinating. If using, select natural options such as corn gluten meal, which acts as a safe, organic pre-emergent herbicide. Apply in early spring before weeds sprout.
• Refresh Mulch Annually – Mulch breaks down over time, losing its weed-suppressing ability. Adding a fresh layer each year keeps weeds at bay while improving soil health.

🌿 Keeping Your Landscape Pristine, Year After Year If you’d like expert care to handle weeds and other seasonal needs, our landscape maintenance team can take care of everything—so you can enjoy your outdoor space without the hassle.

The Importance of Fertilization in Your Landscape 🌱

Healthy plants start with healthy soil. Over time, nutrients deplete, making fertilization essential. Using high-quality compost and organic fertilizers ensures your plants get what they need—without harming the environment.

Fertilization Best Practices

• Start with Quality Compost – We incorporate nutrient-rich compost into new plantings for a strong foundation.
• Maintain Soil Health with Ongoing Applications – For the first two years, regular compost applications support root development and plant growth.
• Fertilize Annually – Organic fertilizers (compost, granular, or liquid) replenish nutrients and improve soil fertility.

Choosing the Right Fertilizer for Your Landscape

• Flowering Shrubs & Perennials – Use a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content to encourage blooms. Apply in early spring and after the first bloom cycle.
• Trees & Evergreens – A balanced, slow-release fertilizer (like compost or granular organic blends) helps maintain steady growth. Apply once a year in early spring.
• Lawns & Groundcovers – Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer for lush green growth. Frequency varies; apply in spring and late summer for best results. We offer natural lawn care treatments as part of a customized landscape maintenance plan.

🌿 Looking for high-quality, natural fertilizers? We sell organic compost and fertilizers at our Garden Center—stop by to find the best option for your landscape!

Seasonal Maintenance & Pest Management 🍂

Each season requires different care strategies:

• 🌱 Spring: Remove winter debris, check for pests, fertilize, and prune as needed. Refresh mulch and edge garden beds to prepare for the growing season. 💡 Pruning Tip: The right tools make pruning easier and more effective. Find quality pruning shears, gloves, and sharpening kits at our Garden Center to keep your landscape in top shape.* 
• ☀️ Summer: Monitor moisture levels, control weeds, and watch for heat stress.
• 🍂 Fall: Remove fallen leaves, trim perennials, and prepare your landscape for dormancy. Refresh mulch to protect roots over winter.
• ❄️ Winter: Protect plants from frost and plan for next season.

🌿 Want a professional to handle it all? Our landscape maintenance team provides customized care year-round to keep your outdoor space looking its best.

Final Thoughts

A thriving landscape requires ongoing care. Whether it’s watering, weed control, fertilization, pruning, or seasonal maintenance, our expert team helps protect your investment and keep your landscape beautiful. As an added bonus, our maintenance customers get 10% off at our garden center!

Want expert care for your landscape? Contact us today to discuss a maintenance plan that fits your needs!

Caring for your landscape involves regular maintenance like watering, fertilizing, and pruning, tailored to your plants’ needs and local climate. By being attentive and proactive, you can create a thriving, beautiful garden year-round. Gardens of Babylon offers the expertise and support to help you maintain a flourishing landscape.