How to Maintain an Existing Landscape

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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"What do we do now" may be the question you find yourself asking after having a new landscape installed. The idea of maintaining the beauty of your new yard may be overwhelming if you don't know what to do. Try these steps to help remove some of your anxiety about maintaining your existing landscape.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Mulch
Water
Sprinkler replacement heads
Pruning shears
Compost or organic fertilizer

Step1

Inspect your plants. Some plants respond better during different seasons. If one of your plants looks questionable, hold off replacing it until you see how it responds throughout the year.

Step2

Replace the plants that are diseased or have died. Be sure to add products in the soil that retain moisture like expanded shale and special polymers. You will want to apply a root stimulator to the soil as well.

Step3

Add new mulch. You may need to remove some old mulch to make room for the new stuff.

Step4

Check your sprinkler system at least once a month to make sure all heads are working properly and facing the plant beds.

Step5

Replace any broken sprinkler heads immediately. Reposition those that are not facing the plant beds.

Step6

Fertilize your landscape with compost and organic fertilizers.

Step7

Water once or twice a week in the early morning or nighttime hours. Use soaker hoses whenever possible. New plants may need to be watered by hand as they often need more water than established plants.

Step8

Prune any unneeded foliage such as diseased leaves or conflicting limbs.

Tips & Warnings

Check for water restrictions in your area. If your area is in a drought, you will want to install plants that are heat tolerant and require little water.
Contact a local retail nursery for advice on specific plants or problem areas.
Do not over water. Too much water can damage your plants, cause erosion and increase your water bill.