Plant Watering Instructions

  • Shrubbery and small trees should receive supplemental water for several months after installation.
    • Shrubs ten to twenty inches in diameter/height will require 1 ½ gallons twice weekly.
    • Larger shrubs twenty-four to thirty-six inches in diameter/height will require 2 ½ gallons of water twice weekly.
    • Likewise, small trees (less than five feet tall) will require 2 ½ gallons of water twice weekly.
    • After 6-9 weeks, watering frequency can be reduced as roots have begun to collect their own water under typical weather conditions.
  • Conditions such as soil quality and weather will directly affect the amount of water each plant will need over a given period.
    • If possible, rainfall should be monitored and supplemental water tempered accordingly.
  • During dry spells, the soil around the newly installed plant will be dry and “wick” a percentage of supplemental water away from the intended target plant.
    • So while it may seem that the recommended amount of supplemental water is in excess, accommodation of this “wicking” is vital to providing adequate water for plant establishment.
  • Alternatively, when rain averages an inch or more in a given week, the supplemental water can be given once per week.
  • Watering must be done correctly to ensure plant establishment and long term vigor.
    • It is the need for water that stimulates root growth.
    • Keeping a plant wet will interfere with root growth and could, under prolonged wet conditions, cause a plant to drown.
    • An overall yellowing is an indication that the plant is being watered too much.
    • Drowning is evident when the soil is obviously moist/wet and yet the plant is wilted in appearance.
    • When a plant is too dry, the foliage will tend to droop or hang, may wilt or even turn a greenish gray/blue color.
    • When the fine twigs or bark begin wrinkling, the plant may have undergone an irreversible drying and require severe pruning or replacement.
  • Watering thoroughly is very important.
    • Penetration to the lower soil horizon will promote root growth deep into the ground.
    • Shallow watering will promote root growth at the soil surface and as a consequence, place the long-term stability of the plant in jeopardy.
    • Since the soil surface moisture fluctuates readily with sun or wind extremes, soil drying can occur often and quickly.
  • The placement of bark mulch helps retain soil surface moisture.
    • However, watering properly requires that the water gets through the mulch and not simply darkens it.
    • Pulling a small area aside to expose the soil will ensure the water is getting to the soil rather than only on the bark mulch.
  • To be successful in establishing a new planting, monitor your rainfall and follow these guidelines.