Lawn/Landscape Aftercare

At J and R, we understand just how much you’ve invested in maintaining your property’s appearance! Proper watering and observation of general plant/lawn health are the responsibilities of the owner and is the most important element to maintaining healthy plants. For your convenience, we have compiled these instructions to ensure the survival of your investment.

  • Lawn Aftercare

    Click Here for Hydroseed Specific Aftercare and Warranty


    Seeds will not germinate all at the same time. Our premium Upstate Blend seed mixture has different characteristics affecting their development. The germination time for grass seed ranges from 5 to 30 days depending on the variety. (It can be even longer than this when temperatures are above 80 or below 55 for extended periods)


    Once the germination process has begun, if the seed or sprout dries out, it dies. The percentage of seed germination is in your control. Remember that the long-term benefits far outweigh the trouble you go through while starting a lawn.


    Watering: Grass seed prefers to be sprinkled. Keep the top 1” of lawn surface moist for the first 3 weeks (light daily watering). Use your judgment. Moist, but not soggy is the plan!

    • First 10 days: Water 2 times per day during Spring/Summer & one (1) time per day during Fall (late August-mid October) preferably in the morning & early evening. Be sure to allow the soil to dry completely before watering again
    • Day 10-30: Water more thoroughly, but less often (2-3 times per week) preferably in the morning or early evening.
    • Day 31-Entire Life of Lawn: During excessively dry periods, continue to water moderately 2-3 times per week to keep lawn healthy. Even when established, your lawn may not be strong enough to withstand long hot & dry periods.

    Mowing: Allow lawn to grow to a slightly longer length than normal (approx. 4-5’’) and then mow on a high mower deck setting. Longer grass will aid in keeping the soil cooler which is ideal for new lawns. When mowing be careful not to leave excessive clippings.


    Bare spots:  If you opted for our highly recommended “Follow-up Fertilizing”, we will return 3-4 weeks after seeding to fertilize with a high nitrogen fertilizer to help promote a stronger and greener lawn. At this time we will assess the lawn's condition and reseed where necessary. If you opted against the follow-up fertilizing, spot-seed bare and thin areas 3 to 6 weeks after the initial seeding. It is important to continue proper watering. 


    Fertilizing:  Schedule our "Follow-up Fertilizing" scheduled 3-4 weeks after seeding that allows us to apply a high nitrogen fertilizer to help promote a stronger and greener lawn. 


    DO NOT apply WEED N FEED or other fertilizers that contain a pre-emergent until after 3-5 lawn cuts to ensure strong, mature root structure.


    To schedule a fertilizing and weed/insect control program, contact our friends at Emerald Lawn Care! (315)698-8108

  • Landscape Aftercare

    While some plants may be “low-maintenance”, most require some after care, especially while becoming established. It is natural for newly installed plants to show slight signs of stress. If they are properly watered, they should recover naturally. Please let us know if you notice anything that concerns you about the health of your new plants and/or lawn and we will be happy to check on them. 


    Shrubs & Perennials: Both prefer to be soaked. Newly installed plants should be watered 2-3 times PER WEEK (2 times in the fall & 2-3 times in the spring and summer if it is very dry) for the first full growing season. Water with a gentle stream from a garden hose at the base of each plant for approximately 30-45 seconds. Remember you are watering the roots and NOT the foliage. Plants may need supplemental water in dry periods during the second season after installation.


    KEEP IN MIND: Just because it may be hot and/or dry out, does not necessarily mean the soil 2-3'' deep (or lower) is dry. The best gauge of whether a plant needs to be watered is to stick a finger 3-4’’ into soil. If it is still damp, the plant does not  require watering!!!


-The J and R Guarantee-

We guarantee plant material to be alive and healthy upon installation, and to be installed to the best practices of the industry. All plant materials have a one-year, one-time replacement guarantee. This guarantee is valid only if site owner provides proper maintenance. Over/under watering is the #1 cause of new plant/lawn failure, we do not guarantee transplants, plants killed or damaged by pests, disease, abnormal weather conditions, seasonal die back, or other conditions beyond our control. Some plants will suffer 'transplant shock' and may lose up to 2/3 of their foliage. This may take up to two years for them to recover. Annuals & bulbs, and ground covers are NOT warranted. We cannot warrant against weed growth in mulch or topsoil beds, due to the germination of dormant seeds prevalent in the soil. Warranties are non-transferable. Conditions: A plant will have had to lose a minimum of 50% of its foliage before we will consider replacement. Replacement plant may differ from original based on availability or designer discretion. Your claim will be handled once payment for the completed job has been made and your account is current. Our office needs to be notified of your specific problem. Once notified, we will inspect the plant material and determine if it is a warrantable item. We will make warranty replacements during the optimum planting seasons: spring and fall. 

QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS?

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