FAQ

When should I fertilize my lawn?

We recommend you start your first application around the 15th of February and feed periodically through the fall. Stop by The Home & Garden Store in Boise and ask for a copy of their lawn application guide.
Can I plant trees and shrubs in during the summer months?

Our landscaping crew starts around the 1st of March and will plant shrubs, trees, annuals, and perennials throughout the growing season.
When should I prune my roses?

We recommend pruning roses around the 15th of March, just about the time they typically come out of dormancy. Start by pruning out any diseased or branches that cross each other, then prune again leaving 3 to 5 healthy canes. At the same time, we recommend fertilizing them with Ferti-lome 'GreenMaker' containing iron.
Should I apply Ferti-lome 'Root Stimulator' when planting a shrub or tree?

Ferti-lome 'Root Stimulator' definitely encourages root development and we recommend applying this product with all plants. For a small investment, you'll find this to be one of the best decisions you can make in providing the overall health and care of a plant.
I was told by a local nursery to use 'Ultimate' potting soil. What is the advantage of using this product?

Not all potting soils are a good investment when it comes to planting shrubs and trees. Some manufactures rely on their name to help sell a product. Ferti-lome 'Ultimate' has many beneficial products contained in their potting soil. One of the most important benefits of Ultimate potting soil is the amount of peat moss in a bag. Boise and most all of Idaho is alkaline and peat moss not only helps lower the alkalinity of our soil, but it also helps in retaining moisture in the soil.
How often should I water my lawn, shrubs and trees?

That depends on many factors. Things to consider when watering is the type of soil you have, the time of year (temperature), are the plants in the sun or in a shady location, the method you are watering with (sprinkler, hand watering, etc.), as well as other questions that may affect the way you water the garden. Keep in mind that the roots of trees may be 15 to 30 inches deep or even greater, yet your sod typically is only a few inches deep, requiring different degrees of moisture to sufficiently care for the plant. We recommend contacting a qualified nurseryman such as The Home & Garden Store in Boise to resolve any question you might have regarding the water needed to adequately care for a plant. They have an Idaho Certified Nurseryman on staff to help answer those type of questions.
Should I water late into the fall and why?

Water is the life blood of humans as well as plant life. When plants go dormant in the fall, they are not dead! Although the foliage may have fallen, plants still need a certain amount of moisture to survive. Each spring we visit with folks that lost their plants, often due to a lack of water. When a plant produces buds in the fall, we know that the plant was alive and well at that time. When they don't leaf out in the spring, it's very likely that they died from lack of water during the fall and winter months. The soil often freezes during the winter and this prevents moisture getting down to the root system. Folks will tell us that the snow melts and provides moisture, but that may not be true. The sun hits the snow and causes it to melt, however then snow is on the ground, the soil is frozen, preventing the soil from thawing. Likely the snow runs to the street and down the street gutter and not into the soil. Deep watering is extremely important in the late fall. It's the best insurance you can get when it comes to plant survival.