Watering Care

 

WATERING GUIDELINES

Plants need the most water immediately following installation. We make sure the plant is completely hydrated before and after planting it.

 

  • A good rainfall of 1″-2” or more can replace a watering session. If you get this much rain, you can skip watering and/or filling tree watering bags.

 

  • Water thoroughly twice per week for the first three months. Water once per week, for the rest of the year. It is usually safe to end watering in mid-November, but this date will vary. End watering when the soil freezes.

 

  • It is a good idea to water on the same days each week (i.e. Monday and Friday, Sunday and Thursday, etc) to make it easier to schedule & remember.

 

  • Due to their smaller-sized root systems, smaller plants (as well as plants like hydrangeas, rhododendrons & azaleas which have shallow root systems) will have a tendency to dry out quicker than plants with larger root balls. They may need to be mulched well and watered more frequently.

 

  • It is preferable to water in the morning and to apply the water only to the soil; not onto the foliage. Wet leaves are highly susceptible to fungal diseases.

 

  • Maintaining a 2-3″ layer of mulch on the exposed dirt will help regulate soil temperatures, improve moisture retention, and to help keep weeds from growing.

 

  • Soil conditions can affect water demand. Sandier soils may need to be watered more frequently, whereas clay soils may need to be watered less frequently. Adjust water amounts and frequency of watering accordingly.

 

  • More frequent watering will be required during extreme summer heat and/or windy weather, and plants in full sun will often require more frequent watering than those planted in shadier conditions.

 

  • In late Fall we can have warm days and freezing night time temperatures. Remove tree watering bags if temperatures get below freezing, as the bags can be damaged. If you have to remove the watering bag(s) before the ground freezes, be prepared to hand/hose water your landscape until the ground freezes. Plants like to go into winter hydrated, as they cannot pull up moisture once winter has arrived. Properly hydrating your landscape until the ground freezes will ensure your plants have plenty of water stored up to get them through winter.