Water…

How Much Is Enough?

• WATER STRESS is the result of both too little and too much water and one of the major causes of poor plant growth and even death.
• A two to three inch layer of mulch helps reduce water stress problems as it helps retain soil moisture and reduces competition from grass and weeds. “Bagel” it around trees – don’t create mulch volcanoes around trunks, as that smothers the tree.
• Most trees and shrubs should receive 1 to 1-1/2 inches of water per week.
• Avoid using overhead sprinklers. They are designed for lawns, not shrubs and trees. They put water where it is not needed and most evaporates before reaching the roots.
  
  

FOLLOW THESE TWO RULES WHEN WATERING:

• 1. Whenever you water, water deeply (not frequently and shallowly)
• 2. Put the water on the ground, not in the air or on the plant leaves.

AVERAGE WATERING TIMES:

Trees: 1 to 1-1/2 hours total, at a slow trickle in a triangular pattern.
Shrubs: 30 to 45 minutes total, at a slow trickle in a two-point pattern.
Perennials: 2 to 5 minutes total, at a slow trickle in a two-point pattern.

WATERING FREQUENCY:

Week 1: Every day, at least once.
Week 2: Every other day.
Week 3: Every third day.
Week 4: Every fourth day.
Week 5: Every fifth day.
Week 6: Every sixth day.
Week 7: Once a week for the remainder of the growing season.

NOTE: If planting in a site of new construction that contains heavily compacted clay that doesn’t drain, watering time and frequency should be reduced by half. Dig a test hole 12 inches deep and wide and fill with water. If it doesn’t drain within 15 minutes, you have drainage problems that will lead to root rot.

REMEMBER TO GIVE ALL PLANTS A DEEP WATERING JUST PRIOR TO THE
GROUND FREEZING (AROUND THANKSGIVING) REGARDLESS OF THEIR AGE.