Watering Tips for Newly Installed Plants
Lauren here with Shorb Landscaping. Your newly installed plants will need to be properly watered. Please don’t let them dry out, and don’t drown them by overwatering. When your plants were harvested from the nursery, many of their roots were removed, and that’s why new trees are more susceptible to drying out than those that are well established.
Now, let’s review a few watering guidelines for your new plants. Remember, every situation is different, and some sites may require adjustments. Please call your Account Manager at Shorb Landscaping to discuss site-specific details. The goal is to add enough water to soak through the top 8” of the soil. This is where all the roots are. Remember, It is better to give your plants water BEFORE they show symptoms of drought stress.
- Soak soil and roots, so that the top 8” of soil is moist. No need to spray foliage
- For most trees, 5 gallons of water should be enough, and 5 gallons should be good for 2 or 3 shrubs.
- For larger areas, it is ok to use a sprinkler. If you apply one inch of water, that should be enough to soak into the soil 6 to 8 inches deep
- In the spring and fall, water your new plants twice a week
- In the Summer, water them 3 times a week, allow a day or 2 to between waterings. This allows the roots to breath.
- If you’re not sure if it is time to water again, simply check to see if the soil is too wet or too dry
- Do not water the plants every day. Allow some time for the water to percolate through the soil, so that the roots can breathe.
- Most plants will become established in 1 year. Trees may take 2 or 3 years. Afterwards, supplemental water is needed only during drought conditions.
We hope that you will enjoy your new plants and that they will grow and thrive in your landscape. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us. We are here to help!
