Archive for Maintenance

Queen Palm Trees

Queen palms, unlike Mexican fan palms, require special care. Queen palms preferably should be on a separate irrigation line from shrubs to provide watering. Queen palms also need to be watered more often than other palms. You’ll need to fertilize your Queen palms with: 2 tbsp. of ammonium sulfate once per month 1/4 cup of [...]

Read more

Cactus

Cacti need good drainage away from the roots and do not require fertilizer. Most cacti need supplemental water to establish themselves in the beginning. After they are established, you may slowly take away regular watering. Photo provided by John-Morgan

Read more

Ocotillo

This type of cactus requires supplemental water during dry periods and requires the branches to be misted periodically. Image provided by kretyen.

Read more

Desert Trees

Desert trees are native to this area and do not require and fertilization. Your drip emitters will be close to the root ball of the tree when first installed, and should be pulled away as the tree matures to approximately half the diameter of the canopy. This will help prevent the tree from blowing over [...]

Read more

Shrubs

Desert shrubs require no fertilization. Non-desert shrubs require fertilization twice per year with ammonium sulfate or a general fertilizer (16-8-4), once in the spring and once in the fall. Image provided by Andrea_44.

Read more

Irrigation System Components

Clock You must learn to adjust your clock’s watering schedule. This schedule needs to be changed according to the change in seasons, and with the change in maturity of the plants. Your clock will always be located next to your outside electrical panel. Vacuum Breaker This is installed next to your front yard hose bibb. [...]

Read more

Frost Tender Plants

Some of your plants may be frost tender. You must cover these plants with fabric when the temperature drops below 35°. Image provided by mediafury.

Read more

Weed Control

Pre-emergent, applied twice per year, is the best weed control agent in granite areas. Plastic overlays are no longer used depending on your landscape. Some weed growth will occur even after treatment and should be manually removed. Image provided by benketaro.

Read more

Water Drainage

Your yard has been pre-graded by your builder to drain water off your property (or into a retention basin). The landscaping design is built around your drainage plan. Image provided by dpatricklewis.

Read more

Termite Barrier

In order to prevent termites, your home’s foundation perimeter has been treated with a chemical. Plants are not allowed to be installed within this 24″ perimeter. Image provided by mcyrusjohnson.

Read more