Water…
How Much Is Enough?
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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: |
20-30 minutes total, at a slow trikle in a triangular pattern |
| Shrubs: |
10-15 minutes total, at a slow trikle in a two-point pattern |
| Perennials: |
2-5 minutes total, at a slow trikle in a two-point pattern |
WATERING FREQUENCY:
Perennials / Groundcover |
Roses / Small Shrubs |
Trees and Larger Shrubs |
Wk 1: Every day at least once |
Wk1: Every other day |
Wk 1: Every third day |
Wk 2: Every other day |
Wk 2: Every other day |
Wk 2: Every fourth day |
Wk 3: Every third day |
Wk 3: Every third day |
Wk 3: Every fifth day |
Wk 4: Every fourth day |
Wk 4: Every fourth day |
Wk 4: Every sixth day |
Wk 5: Every fifth day |
Wk 5: Every fifth day |
Wk 5: once a week remainder of growing season |
Wk 6: Every sixth day |
Wk 6: Every sixth day |
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Wk 7: Once week remainder of growing season |
Wk 7: Once a week remainder of growing season |
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NOTE: During times of extreme heat or rought move up one week.
NOTE: If you receive 1 1/2 inches of rain fall this counts as a watering.
NOTE: If planting in a site of new construction that contains excessively compacted clay that does not drain, watering time and frequency should be reduced by half. Dig a test hole 12 inches deep and wide and fill the hole with water. If the water does not fully drain within 15 minutes, you have a drainage problem 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.
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