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

• Focus on the root zone not the leaves

• 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

• After that period, 1-2 times per week 

• Less in fall or cooler weather

New Shrubs

• Water 6-18” deep

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

• Weeks 3 & 4 water 2-3 times per week

• 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

• Water 6” deep

• Ornamental grasses tend to dry out during hot windy days

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

• Week 2 & 3 water 2-3 times per week

• Week 4 water twice per week 

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.