Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make sure it is ok to dig on my property?
Battinelli Landscaping & Garden Center always recommends that you call JULIE before you dig.
JULIE (Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators) is a not-for-profit corporation that provides contractors/excavators, homeowners, and others who may be disturbing the earth, with a free service through a single toll-free phone number (1-800-892-0123) to call for the locating and marking of underground utility facilities.

What are the Proper Watering Procedures for my plants and yard?
Tree and Shrubs
Newly planted trees and shrubs should be thoroughly watered regularly throughout the first growing season. A large amount of water is needed to reach down and soak a root ball 1.5" to 2.5" below the surface. Additionally, smaller plants which are near larger, established trees and shrubs must be watered more heavily since a smaller root system has difficulty competing for available moisture. Older trees and shrubs rarely need watering unless they have been damaged or stressed in some other way.
Perennials
Perennials are less deeply rooted than trees and most shrubs, but they still need deep watering for proper root growth and strong flowering. To avoid early loss or disfigurement of blossoms, water beneath the flower heads. Careful hand watering or soaker hoses are best. The newly planted perennial roots may think that they are still in the container and must have consistent moisture in order to encourage strong, healthy root growth.
Annuals and Vegetables
Annuals and Vegetables do best when watered at soil level. This technique cuts down on disease and prolongs the life of both fruit and flower. You can use soaker hoses or drip trickle method irrigation, which conserves water while sending moisture to the roots without puddling; they also combat heat stress by keeping the soil moist and cool. The results are healthier plants with more flowers and higher fruit yields.
Lawns
Lawns should be watered in the morning so that they will dry out before dark, thus discouraging mold spores and other diseases which thrive in moist darkness. Water 1-3 hours every 4-7 days depending on your soil's structure and weather. This practice encourages a deep root system and drought resistant turf. If using an automatic sprinkler system, make sure it is not set for frequent, shallow watering. This will make the roots grow only near the surface, causing sunburn and weakness towards pests and diseases. If you have new sod, keep it evenly moist until it resists tugging. When roots have taken hold (after about one month), a regular deep soaking once per week for 1-3 hours is sufficient.
Time of Year
No matter the time of year, the only way to determine if your property is receiving enough natural moisture is to use a rain gauge. An empty tuna or cat food can placed in the garden will serve as a rain gauge. One or two inches of rain a week is sufficient, with the exception of new planting, which require consistent moisture.

Battinelli’s Planting Recommendations
Battinelli’s recommends that new plantings should be consistently watered daily for the first 2-3 weeks. For the next 2-3 weeks, water at least every three days. After 4-6 weeks, the plants should be watered 1-2 times weekly as needed, if there is a drought, water more often.

Proper care of your new planting will provide you with many seasons of enjoyment. Remember, if you water your plants properly, they will be stronger, healthier and promote better fruit and flowers.