Derwood Station #2 Homeowner’s Association
January 13, 2016 (rev.)
Years One and Two (Post-Installation)
Native
plantings will require the most vigilance, care and maintenance during the
first two years, and especially during the first full year to ensure that they
become successfully established. Disruption of the stone berms and watercourse
are also most likely to occur in the first several years, until the plant
material fills in and anchors the site.
Watering Regimen
Thoroughly water the entire planting once per week during the first year after planting, from April through October, depending upon rainfall. Rainfall amounts should total at least one inch to forego watering in any given week. Consider contracting with a landscape watering service that has a portable water tank if water is not readily available near the planting location.
Weeding Regimen
On a monthly basis, from April through October, hand pull all identifiable weeds, and bag and dispose of them off-site. Weed especially thoroughly in fall to prevent weeds from early establishment the following spring.
Invasive Plants Monitoring
The key to control of invasive species is prompt, thorough removal. Regularly inspect the plantings for the occurrence of any non-native invasive species. Remove promptly by root if spotted, and bag and dispose of off-site. Refer to Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas
https://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/pubs/midatlantic/midatlantic.pdf and other similar resources to aid in invasive plant identification
and with the best methods of their removal and control.
Deer Browse Control
No plant can be considered completely deer proof. Regular use of a repellant can help protect plants in the first several years while they are especially vulnerable to deer browse. Spray plants with deer repellant as recommended on product label through the first two years, until plants are well-established. Use a variety of products and rotate their use every few months so that the deer don’t become acclimated to any one repellant type. Take note of any species they especially consume, and plan for the possibility of replacing these with another less palatable species if needed.
Place deer guard shelters around all trees and shrubs. Shelters should be at least 4 feet high. Shrubs will generally require a wider shelter to accommodate side branching. Keep the shelters regularly weeded.
Structural and Functional
Monitoring
On at least a quarterly basis year-round, and especially following any large storm events, check the stonework for any displacement or blowouts. Reset/rebuild stone as needed to ensure continued functioning. Check several times a year for any silt buildup, particularly in the forebay area at the pipe outfall, but also excessive accumulations around the plants or in front of each check dam. These may periodically need to be cleared of silt and other debris. Look for signs of soil erosion along any slopes or new water pathways being cut into or out of the system, and notify Rock Creek Conservancy and the installation contractor of indications of serious erosion or water flow as soon as possible.
Other Tasks
These tasks could be accomplished by volunteers, or included in an existing landscape management contract for the grounds:
Remove dead plants as needed, and plan on replacements if too many gaps form or if some species do not establish well at the site.
Remove deadfall from the previous years’ grasses and perennials in early spring. Do not cut back grasses and dead flower stalks in fall as they provide important food and cover for wildlife during the winter months.
Replenish mulch in early spring and fall as needed to maintain approximately a two-inch layer around plantings until plants mature and fill in.
Do not fertilize at any time; it is not needed by native plants and may encourage them to grow leggy and flop. Over-fertilized plants are also more attractive and tasty to deer, and encourage weed establishment and growth.
Year Three and Beyond
Plants
should be well-established at the three-year mark so should require less
frequent care and maintenance. Continue to monitor plant health, and for signs
of drought stress, deer browse and non-native invasive plants.
Watering Regimen
Watering should be considered only during times of extreme or extended drought.
Weeding Regimen
The plantings should continue to be monitored for weeds, on a monthly or quarterly basis, and weeds removed as needed. The plantings should become thick enough to crowd out and control most weeds.
Invasive Plants Monitoring
Invasive species monitoring should be an on-going effort, with any discovered plants removed promptly and bagged and discarded off-site.
Deer Browse Control
As the plantings become well-established, many species will be able to withstand some deer browse, and deer should also browse them less. Repellent use should be tapered off, concentrating its use in early spring, when the deer are most hungry.
For trees, the shelters can stay in place until the tree reaches about 1.5-2 inches in diameter at breast height. The trees will still need protection from fall antler rubbing until they reach a larger dbh.
Structural and
Functional Inspection
Continue to monitor and inspect the integrity and functioning of the system as a regular practice on a quarterly basis year-round, and address any repairs or other problems as soon as possible.
Other Tasks
Continue to remove dead plants as needed, and plan on replacements if too many gaps form or if some species do not establish well at the site.
Continue to remove deadfall from the previous years’ grasses and perennials in early spring only.
Continue to replenish mulch only as needed in existing gaps, as the site otherwise should be filled in almost entirely by the majority of plants.