Landscape Policy:
The trees and shrubs that were installed are guaranteed for a period of one (1) year from the date of installation. The plant material has been inspected and certified before and during the planting, and care has been exercised by our company to ensure proper planting procedures. Please note however, there are several circumstances in which the material will not be covered under any warranty. They are as follows:
- Plant material that has been found to have died from lack of water or lack of maintenance.
- Plant material that has been damaged by animals or acts of vandalism.
- Plant material damaged by any “Act of God” that we have no control over, i.e.: winter-burn, windburn, drought, flooding, etc.
- Plant material found to be damaged by insect infestation.
- Perennials have a 90 day warranty.
- Annuals are seasonal and die at the end of the season and are not covered under any warranty.
- Any plant material that has been pulled out or cut down prior to inspection.
PLEASE NOTE THAT SOD AND SEED ARE NOT COVERED UNDER ANY WARRANTY. BOTH REQUIRE ATTENTION AND PROPER MAINTENANCE ON A DAILY BASIS. LACK OF PROPER MAINTENANCE FOR ONE DAY COULD CAUSE BOTH OF THESE ITEMS TO DIE.
CARE OF YOUR NEWLY INSTALLED LAWN
Scapes, Inc. has recently completed lawn work for you. Until the lawn is established, you will need to provide adequate watering and care. Below are instructions for you to follow to assist with this.
WATERING SEED AND SOD
Watering must be started immediately after the sod is installed. It is essential that enough water be put down initially to thoroughly soak the sod and the soil under the sod. You can check the moisture content by lifting up a flap of the sod and sticking your finger into the soil. It should be moist several inches deep. By giving the sod a heavy initial watering you will rid the sodded area of pockets, which dry out the sod. Pay special attention to the corners and edges of newly sodded areas, they tend to dry out sooner and they are hard to water properly. You may have to hand water these areas. If a newly sodded area accidentally does dry out it will probably turn brown. It is not dead, and will green up in about two weeks with proper water application. After the initial watering, water enough to keep the soil under the sod moist, not muddy. In cool weather this may mean watering only every 3 or 4 days, in very hot weather you may have to water daily. Do not allow the sod or soil underneath to dry out completely between watering. In about 2 weeks the sod should have begun to knit to the soil underneath and the watering can be lessened to once or twice per week depending on the weather conditions. Water anytime the sod has a dry pale blue gray color or if the grass does not spring back after walking on it. It is important to know that frequent shallow waterings are not good for your lawn. They cause the root system to grow near the surface. Water less often but water deeply. Over time the roots will follow the water down into the soil and you will have a lush healthy turf.
SEEDED LAWNS
For newly seeded lawns, it is important to water daily for the first two weeks. If you have 1″ of rain or more skip that day. The best time to water is in the morning and late afternoon. Do not water at night as it may promote fungal growth. Once the grass has started, water 2-3 times per week or more in hot, dry weather. It is important to keep the new seed moist, but not saturated. If your lawn has straw mulch on top, you may reduce your watering time and possibly frequency as the straw helps to hold moisture. Before the grass has reached 4″, carefully rake away excess straw if any. You may now mow your seeded area at a mowing height of 3″ and follow our mowing instructions.
MOWING
About two weeks after installation, your new lawn may need mowing. It is important to let your lawn dry out for a day or two so it firms up a bit before going over it with a heavy machine. Make sure that the mowing height is set at about 3″. Letting your lawn grow a little longer is good for the grass because it encourages a strong root system. Never mow shorter than 2″ and never remove more than 1/3 of the grass leaf at any one mowing. Using a mulching mower is a great idea. It returns the clippings to the lawn so they can decompose and provide added nutrients. Mulching also solves the grass clipping disposal problem. It is also important to keep the mower blade sharp. A dull blade will shred the tops of the grass blades, discolor the lawn and invite disease. The mower blade should be sharpened once or twice a year.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF YOUR NEWLY INSTALLED LANDSCAPE
Scapes, Inc. recently completed work for you. Newly planted shrubs and trees need extra care until they are established. Below are easy care instructions to assist with proper growth and development.
WATERING TREES AND SHRUBS
–If there is less than 1 inch of rainfall per week, water as follows:
Trees will need to be watered two times per week in hot, dry weather and one time in cooler weather. Water for 3 to 5 minutes or until water starts to flow out of the hole. Shrubs will need to be watered two times per week in hot, dry weather and one time per week in cooler weather. Water each shrub for 2 to 3 minutes.
Hardscapes Policy:
Scapes, Inc. guarantees for five (5) years from the date of installation that pavers will not chip or crack and the paver surface shall be true to grade and shall not vary more than one quarter inch when tested with a 10 ft. board at any location on the surface. Invoice must be paid according to terms.
Lighting and Water Features Policy:
All materials are guaranteed for a period of one (1) year from the date of installation. Acts of God (as described above) neglect, improper use or vandalism are not covered by this guarantee. Please contact our office if you have any questions about care and maintenance of your lighting or pond equipment. Invoice must be paid according to terms.