---
title: "Caring for Your Perennials"
description: "Comprehensive care guide for maintaining your perennial plants and helping them thrive year after year."
canonical_url: "https://landworkswisconsin.com/care-tips/perennials"
last_updated: "2026-06-15T20:55:35.794Z"
---

## Watering

- **Early morning is the best time to water.**
- Thoroughly water plants once or twice a week, applying an average of one inch per week. Adjust schedules based on rainfall.
- Using your fingers, check the soil moisture several inches down prior to watering. Too much or too little water can place stress on the root system.
- Apply water at the base of your plants using a slow trickle from a hose. Consider the size of the plant and root ball when determining amount of watering time per plant.
- Note soil conditions and terrain. Clay soils hold more water than sandy soils, and sloped areas will require more water due to runoff.
- Continue watering your plantings, especially evergreens, until the ground freezes.

## Fertility

- Most trees, shrubs and perennials require only an annual feeding.
- Annual flowers require more frequent fertilizing – every two weeks during the growing season.

## Weed Control

- As a result of soil disturbance, expect more weeds in your planting beds during the first year of establishment.
- Regularly remove weeds by hand to prevent competition with new plantings.
- For easier removal, weed after rainfall or watering.
- Avoid the application of chemical weed control in or around new plantings.

## Pruning/Deadheading

- New plantings should be allowed to establish before significant pruning is done. Remove broken or damaged branches only.
- Spent blossoms on perennials and annuals should be removed to encourage re-blooming.

## Pest Control

- Monitor plants regularly for any insect or disease problems.
- Rabbits and deer feed on many new plantings, especially during the winter. Install fencing, netting or apply repellents when necessary.

## What to Expect

Be patient, and remember the old adage: "The first year it sleeps; the second year it creeps; the third year it leaps."

Your LandWorks Representative can answer any questions and provide specific plant care recommendations for your property.