Watering Guidelines

Every situation is different, so pay close attention and adjust the guideline as needed.

Water for newly installed plants is extremely important.

Soak all new plants deeply & thoroughly the first watering

Deep infrequent soaking promotes roots to seek moisture instead of frequent shallow watering

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Focus on the root zone not the leaves
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Soak entire bed. Dry soil near the root zone will pull water away from the roots. This may require you to set up a sprinkler to soak the entire bed

The goal is to get the roots to move out of their own root ball into the existing soil

Morning watering is best-more may be needed in afternoon heat/wind

Many times a half inch or less rainfall is not enough to soak thru mulch/rock into root zone

Pull mulch/rock aside to check moisture and water accordingly

Wind & low humidity days can dry plants out very quickly

Know your soil type-Sandy soils will require more frequent watering while clay type soils won’t dry out as fast

Make sure boxwood, broadleaf evergreens,( boxwood, rhododendron, Hollies), and evergreens are watered well before the ground freezes in December.

New Trees

Water thoroughly & deeply 2-3 times per week for first 2-4 weeks

The deeper the root ball, the deeper you need to water-min. 24” deep

A slow pencil stream of water or lower volume watering with no run off is the goal to get the water to soak in deeper

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After that period, 1-2 times per week 
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Less in fall or cooler weather
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New Shrubs

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Water 6-18” deep
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Water thoroughly 3-4 times per week for first 2 weeks

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Weeks 3 & 4 water 2-3 times per week
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Past 4 weeks, 2 times per week unless cooler weather

Note: Some hydrangea may need watering daily during summer. They can wilt during the heat of the day and perk up in the evening.

Perennials & Ground cover

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Water 6” deep
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Ornamental grasses tend to dry out during hot windy days

Water every other day soaking root ball and surrounding area in week 1

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Week 2 & 3 water 2-3 times per week
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Week 4 water twice per week 
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Seeded Lawn

Keep moist (maybe daily watering during warmer periods)

1st soaking requires heavy watering but not to run off (may require frequent light watering to achieve a soaking without runoff)

Maintain a moist soil after initial soaking

Be very aware of drying heat, sun, wind, low humidity-more water is needed

Once germination occurs, seedlings must be kept moist since they have very few roots.  One hot windy afternoon can cause death to young shoots

Leaf drop can suffocate new grass seedlings, rain can cause leaves to mat together causing suffocation, use a blower to keep the leaves off when the soil is dry , don’t compact the soil by walking on it when wet

Sod

The initial watering must begin within minutes of sod installation

The first soaking requires heavy watering to the point of not being able to walk on it without sinking in.  Keeps pets from walking on it as well

Maintain a moist soil after initial watering, 2-3 times/day

Early morning watering is best or late afternoon. Anytime when dry.

Be very aware of drying heat, sun, wind, low humidity- more water is needed

Pay close attention to edges where sod borders curbs, sidewalks, and driveways.  These areas will dry out faster than the rest of the lawn.

Your best indicator for your sod’s water needs is wilt or lack of wilt.  Wilted sod will have a dry, dusty, grayish green appearance. Properly watered sod will always look full, lush, and green

If you do not have an irrigation system, impact type sprinklers give better coverage

Above all else, if you are having problems or are not sure about your plants’ health, please call or email us.  We want you to be successful and able to enjoy your landscape.