One of the tenets of my landscape design and installation philosophy is “keep it low-maintenance”: I frequently incorporate evergreens in my designs because they don’t require being cut back in the winter, and I use native plants in almost all of my designs because they’re best suited for local conditions. (Besides, native plants contribute significantly to the charm of the Lowcountry…I didn’t name this business Lowcountry Vistas Charleston, LLC for nothing.)
I ensure that the designs I install allow customers to spend maximum time enjoying their properties and minimum time maintaining them. That said, one must keep in mind that plants are living creatures that inexorably require some care. At no point of a plant’s lifespan is care most important than after a new installation: Just like children’s early years are integral to their development, plants’ early weeks are integral to theirs. Regular watering is extremely important in the first few weeks after plants are installed, even when weather is pleasant. During a heat wave, it can mean the difference between the life and death of your landscaping investment.
The definition of “regular watering” differs depending on a number of variables, including plant type, soil consistency, and time of year. I detail this information after each installation; the instructions are generally simple because I use low-maintenance designs. One rule, however, remains universal: Newly-installed plants must be thoroughly watered daily during heat waves. Preferably in the early morning, but absolutely not during the hottest part of the day.
Seth Mason, Charleston SC
