Our Care Advise
Guidelines for Watering & Mulching
Water and mulch are the two most important ingredients for a lush, healthy landscape. Faithful watering and mulching of newly planted trees, shrubs, and flowers will promote growth and vigor and give them an excellent start in your yard.
WATERING
Just imagine how hot and thirsty you get when you’re outside on a scorching August day. Now, imagine that your feet are planted in one spot, you cannot move into the shade, and do not have the option of going indoors to cool off with a glass of water and a blast of air conditioning. This may give you a better understanding of the plight of plants during an Oklahoma summer. They are dependent on you to give them some much-needed moisture, especially during periods of drought. Either lack of water or too much water can do significant damage to plants, and may eventually kill them. The ultimate goal is to keep the soil slightly moist—not dry and dusty or wet and soupy. Understanding the following factors will be of great help in achieving the goal.
PAY ATTENTION TO THE WEATHER
This one sounds silly, but it is so important. During the very hot, dry summers, plants need lots of supplemental watering. Wilting leaves and droopy-looking plants are thirsty. Just think about how you’d feel being out in that weather all day without a drink! On the other hand, when rainfall is frequent, plants probably are getting all the water they need. Too much water when the weather is cool and moist can actually rot the roots.
KNOW YOUR SOIL TYPE
All soil is composed of either sand, silt (loam), or clay—and usually some combination of all three elements. In Tulsa, most areas south of 51st St. have clay soil and areas north of 51st St. have fairly good loamy soil. Clay soil has very tiny spaces between each particle, which means water moves through the soil very slowly. Clay holds water for a longer time than either loam or sand, so it does not need to be watered quite as frequently. Be careful not to water so heavily that you regularly have standing water around plants. Very few plants will tolerate standing water or excessive moisture.
Loamy soil has a looser texture than clay, which allows for easier water movement through the soil. It will probably need more frequent water replenishment. Most importantly, keep an eye on the appearance and texture of your soil. Very dry soil, as well as very wet soil will be obvious by appearance.
Care Instructions for Trees
Trees are truly the backbone of the landscape. They provide much-needed shade, refuge for wildlife, and so much more. Trees which are well planted and well cared-for in their early years may live for hundreds of years for countless generations to enjoy. How a newly planted tree is cared for in its first few seasons of growth is crucial. Both deciduous trees (shade trees and ornamentals) and evergreens (pines, spruces) have similar care requirements.
SOIL CONDITIONS
Slightly moist, well-drained soil is preferable. Because of their great size and extensive root systems, most trees can adapt to less than ideal soil conditions.
Applying a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the tree greatly improves the moisture retention of the soil, adds organic matter as it decomposes, and protects the trunk from lawn mower or trimmer damage.
WATERING
Keeping a new tree watered during its first summer is critical. Trees should receive a deep watering, by hand, 2-3 times/week during extreme heat and drought. It is very important that trees are watered deeply. Sprinkler coverage is not sufficient for newly planted trees. Deep watering encourages the roots to become strong and extensive.
In the spring and fall water 1-2 times/week if there is not adequate rainfall, and continue to water until frost.
New trees will need occasional watering during a very dry winter as well.
PRUNING
Only corrective pruning should be done to new trees. Remove any dead or crossing branches, which will interfere with the tree’s structure. As many branches as possible should be left intact. Consult with an arborist before pruning large, well-established trees.
FERTILIZATION
Fertilization at planting time is not necessary. In subsequent years, fertilizer can be applied either at the soil surface or through root feeders, which penetrate into the ground to feed the roots directly.
MAINTENANCE
IT IS CRITICAL THAT ANY TWINE LEFT TIED AROUND THE ROOTBALL OR TRUNK IS CUT AND UNTIED WITHIN ONE YEAR OF PLANTING. Burlap and twine are purposely left intact at the time of planting to hold the rootball together, however, twine decomposes very slowly and will severely inhibit growth if not eventually removed. Any stakes or other material wrapped around the trunk should be removed within one year as well.
KINGDOM LANDSCAPE
Plant Care Guidelines
Caring for Your Perennials
Perennials are plants that return year after year. Each fall their stems and leaves die back to the ground while their roots remain alive, but dormant, beneath the soil. There are thousands of perennial plants, but a few of the plants we use most often are: daylily, hosta, astilbe, daisy, coreopsis, blue salvia, and rudbekia. It is important to understand that perennials spend their first one or two growing seasons establishing strong root systems. Because of this, the foliage and flowers may not be extremely showy for the first few years. Be patient with perennials—they are well worth the wait!
The following guidelines are true for perennials in general:
SOIL CONDITIONS
Slightly moist, well-drained soil high in organic matter.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch(such as pine bark mulch, pecan hulls, or compost) around plants at least every other year to help keep weeds down, retain soil moisture, and keep soil cool.
WATERING
Perennials do not have the extensive root system of a tree or shrub, so they will need to be watered more frequently. Most of these plants will wilt quite quickly if not given enough water. It is especially important to water them well in their first season of growth. They may need to be hand-watered if a sprinkler does not effectively cover them.
Water deeply at least once/day when temperatures are very high in the summer.
Water deeply 3 times/week in the spring and fall.
Always water any plants either before 9AM or after 8PM, especially in the summer. If you water in the heat of the day, most of the water will actually be lost to evaporation. Also, water droplets left on leaves in the scorching sun can cause unsightly discoloration, burning, and withering of leaves.
FERTILIZATION
The best way to feed perennials is by keeping the soil rich in organic matter. This is done by regularly adding compost or soil conditioner to your garden soil. A balanced fertilizer can be applied in spring or early summer. Fertilizing in late summer or fall could make new growth vulnerable to frost damage.
DIVISION
The best way to propagate almost all perennials is by division. In either spring or fall, the whole plant is dug out of the ground and literally divided into several plants by the roots. This can be done on average every 4-5 years.
DEADHEADING
Deadheading is simply removing spent flowers from the plant. It is usually easiest to do by hand, but scissors or pruners can be used as well. It is beneficial practice for almost all flowering plants. Removing the dead flowers promotes growth and stimulates new flower production, removes a potential target for diseases and insects, and keeps the plant looking nice and neat.
PESTS/DISEASES
Pest and disease problems vary widely by species. In general, if you notice holes in leaves, yellowing or discoloration of leaves, wilting, white fuzzy growth on stems, leaves, or flowers, or any other sign that the plant looks unhealthy, check with a local extension agent or garden center for possible treatments.
KINGDOM LANDSCAPE
Plant Care Guidelines
Our Care Advise
Caring for Your Azaleas
Azaleas will reward you with incredible spring shows of color for years to come as long as their basic needs are met. Depending on the variety of azalea, you can expect flowering anytime from early spring-early summer.
SOIL CONDITIONS
Moist, acidic, well-drained soil high in organic matter.
Soil can be amended with peat moss to provide acidic conditions.
EXPOSURE
Azaleas perform best in filtered sunlight or partial shade, although there are a handful of varieties, which thrive, in full sun.
WATERING
(The following are guidelines only. Watering needs vary depending upon temperature, amount of rain, water pressure in your sprinkler, and soil type)
Water once/day in the summer and even twice/day when temperatures exceed 95 degrees.
Water 3 times/week in the fall.
Water 2 times/week through the winter and early spring.
Always water any plants either before 9 AM or after 8 PM. If you water in the heat of the day, most of the water will actually be lost to evaporation. Also, water droplets left on leaves in the scorching sun can cause unsightly discoloration, burning, and withering of leaves.
Be aware of your soil type—if you have soil with good drainage, you can water more frequently without putting your plants in danger of root rot or numerous other problems and diseases brought on by over-watering. However, if you have clay soil, it will hold water for a longer period of time, so monitor the soil moisture carefully.
General guidelines for soil types in Tulsa:
North of 51st St.– fairly rich soil with good drainage.
South of 51stSt. – sandy soil near river and clay in eastern area.
PRUNING
Azaleas do not require any pruning, but if you wish to shape your plant, do so within a month after flowering so as not to interfere with the next year’s growth.
FERTILIZATION
Plants should be fertilized within the first month after flowering to get the best possible flowering the next year. However, azaleas can be fertilized throughout the summer, no later than early September.
PESTS/DISEASES
The only major problem commonly seen on azaleas is lacebug. Lacebug is most evident in spring and summer. Damaged leaves will look mottled and yellow-bronze with black spots on the undersides. Chemical sprays, applied at two-week intervals, will effectively control lacebug. Check with a garden center professional or state extension office for recommendations on specific chemicals. Most importantly, always read product labels before using any pesticide.
KINGDOM LANDSCAPE
Plant Care Guidelines
Caring for Shrubs
Shrubs are an extremely diverse group of plants. They range in size from dwarfs to small trees and can be either deciduous or evergreen. They provide color, texture, seasonal interest, and depth to the landscape. The following are general guidelines for shrubs. Specific problems or questions should be directed to a horticulturist or extension agent.
SOIL
Most shrubs perform best in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
Keep a fresh layer of mulch around shrubs to help retain soil moisture, keep weeds down, and add organic matter.
WATERING
Newly planted shrubs should be watered deeply 3-4 times/week during periods of extreme heat and drought. Deep watering is important to encourage strong root growth.
Water 1-2 times/week in the spring and fall.
Evergreen shrubs may need occasional watering during dry winters.
PRUNING
Shrubs which flower in the spring, such as lilac, forsythia, and weigela should be pruned soon after they have finished flowering. Most spring-blooming shrubs flower on the previous season’s growth, so pruning them early in the year would mean removing flower buds.
Shrubs, which bloom in the summer or fall, should be pruned while they are dormant. Some examples include abelia, crepe myrtle, hydrangea, and spirea. Most summer-blooming shrubs flower on the current season’s growth.
Needled evergreens, such as pines, should be pruned while they are actively growing in the spring, and only new growth should be cut. Needled evergreens usually require little pruning, and most will not recover if pruned too heavily.
Broadleaf evergreens, such as laurels and hollies, need very little pruning. If you do wish to shape them, it is best done in early summer.
Evergreens, which are often planted as hedges, such as boxwood and yew, may need shaping throughout the growing season. They can be pruned lightly in the spring, summer, or fall.
FERTILIZATION
Shrubs do not need to be fertilized at planting time. Regular additions of organic matter to the soil usually provide sufficient nutrition. Fertilizer can be applied to the soil surrounding the shrub if it appears weak or unhealthy in following years.
MAINTENANCE
IT IS CRITICAL THAT ANY TWINE LEFT TIED AROUND THE ROOTBALL OR BASE OF THE PLANT IS CUT AND REMOVED WITHIN ONE YEAR OF PLANTING. The twine takes a long time to decompose, and will severely inhibit growth if not removed.
KINGDOM LANDSCAPE
Plant Care Guidelines
Kingdom Landscape Plant Guarantee
Landscaping is an investment. Your newly completed plantings should continue to mature and enhance your home for many years to come.
Important note:
Trees are guaranteed for 4 months from date of project completion.
Shrubs & perennials are guaranteed for 90 days from date of project completion.
It is important to realize that perennials rarely thrive during the first season they are in the ground. Their roots are alive even when the foliage and flowers have gone dormant. In cases where the loss of a perennial is questionable, the warranty will be extended until the following spring. If plants do not grow back the spring after being planted, they will be replaced.
Annuals are not covered under the guarantee, as they naturally complete their life cycle within one growing season. Your landscape designer will inform you if any of your plants are annuals, and thus exempt from the guarantee.
It is the responsibility of Kingdom Landscape to provide high quality plant materials, which are planted correctly. Kingdom Landscape will thoroughly water and mulch all newly planted beds. We will provide you with care instructions upon project completion. Improper planting or inferior plant quality will usually be visible within one month from time of planting. Kingdom Landscape will provide one complimentary appointment with their representative, should problems arise during the guarantee period. Subsequent appointments will be billed to the client at the current rate.
The homeowner’s responsibility for the plants begins at project completion. The homeowner’s responsibilities are as follows:
Provide all plants with adequate water, according to care sheet guidelines and weather conditions. We cannot be responsible for loss of plants due to “acts of God”, i.e. tornado, flood, fire, or drought. We cannot be responsible for plant loss due to uncontrollable circumstances such as vehicle damage, pets, trampling, or malfunctioning sprinklers.
Provide a fresh application of mulch to all beds every six months.
Fertilization is not required, but recommended. An encapsulated, slow-release fertilizer such as Osmocote is highly beneficial. Always follow label instructions.
KINGDOM LANDSCAPE
Plant Care Guidelines