Use and Care Manual

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS (Continued)
PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS
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Feed your plants once every 2-3 weeks during the
growing season with a water-soluble fertilizer for
acid loving plants. Discontinue feeding after
September 1st so your plants can harden off for
winter dormancy. Resume fertilizing when new
growth appears in the spring.
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Watering thoroughly in late fall will greatly enhance
your plant's cold tolerance once the ground has
frozen.
Leyland cypress will benefit from mulching in cold
areas. The time to winterize it is in late fall. When
winterizing perennials, keep in mind that the root
system is the most vulnerable to cold damage.
Mulch heavily by mounding a 6-8 inch layer of
shredded bark, compost, leaves, straw or other
organic material around the base of each plant.
In areas that receive heavy snowfall, burlap or netting
may be wrapped around each plant to protect the
branches from breaking under the weight of snow
and ice.
In very cold areas, containerized plants can be
brought into an unheated, protected area such as a
garage or cellar before temperatures drop below
freezing. Check soil moisture every 2-3 weeks and
water as needed during winter.
In spring, remove mulch and any burlap or netting
from in-ground plantings. Containerized plants
should be moved back out into the garden sunlight
where they will begin to repeat their yearly garden
performance.
CONTINUING CARE (Continued)
4. Dig a hole twice as deep and twice as wide as the plant's
root ball. Partially backfill the hole with soil and place the
plant into the hole. The top of the root ball should be level
with the ground surrounding the hole. Refill the hole with
soil, firming the soil around the plant with your fingers.
Check to be sure the plant is not planted too deeply. If it is,
raise the plant carefully and re-firm the soil.
5. Water thoroughly.
CONTINUING CARE
Adequate and consistent watering is essential during
your plant's first year in the garden. Infrequent, long
soakings of water that thoroughly saturate the soil
are more effective than frequent, light applications of
water.
Due to variable geographical and environmental
conditions, a specific watering schedule is difficult to
define. However, as a rule of thumb, you should not
allow the soil or the original root ball to completely
dry out. During the first summer, you may need to
water as often as every few days in periods of
drought and extreme summer heat. To determine if
your plant needs water, dig a few inches into the soil
next to the plant. If the soil is dry 2-3 inches below the
surface, it is time to water.
Overwatering can be as damaging as under watering.
Be sure that the area surrounding your plant has
adequate drainage to move water away from the
plant. If you choose to plant in a container, always
select one with drainage holes to prevent your
plant's roots from sitting in water.
Apply a 2-4 inch layer of shredded bark, compost,
leaves, straw or other organic matter around your
plants to promote moisture retention, maintain even
soil temperatures and discourage weed growth.
Replenish the mulch as needed.
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Keep the area around your plants free of weeds.
Weeds compete with surrounding plants for food,
water and light. Walk around the garden periodically
and pull weeds, including the roots, as soon as you
see them.
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Clip off any dead, damaged or unsightly growth as
needed to maintain an attractive appearance. In
early spring, each plant may be trimmed as desired
to control its size and shape.
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OUT OF THE BOX
Your plants have been shipped to you in pots. We urge
you to remove them from the shipping box and plant
them as soon as possible. Should planting be delayed due
to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, roll the
plastic bag down around each plant and place them near
a bright window or other sunny location. Keep them well-
watered in their pots until permanently planted. Once
planted, they begin setting roots and, as the weather
warms, begin showing new growth. Please plant as soon
as possible, provide reasonable care and be patient.
LEYLAND CCYPRESS
The foliage on potted plants may appear slightly wilted or
yellow upon arrival. This is due to the stress of shipping
and is usually nothing to worry about. Water the plant
thoroughly, place it in a shady location and remove any
foliage that does not recover.
SHIPPED AAS SSHOWN
Important:
Thoroughly hydrate the plant by submersing
the root zone in a container of water for 10 minutes while
you prepare for planting.
1. Remove and discard the clear plastic bag from around
the pot.
2. After watering, remove the pot by holding the plant
upside down in one hand and squeezing the sides of the
pot with the other.
3. Prepare the root ball for planting by gently disturbing
the surface roots with your fingers, fork, or gardening tool
and pruning any damaged roots. This will encourage the
roots to begin growing outward into the new soil.