If you have planted a tree or shrub this spring or summer, we have some watering tips to help it grow and thrive!
1. Think “deep watering” when you water your tree or shrub! Hand watering with a hose or watering can works well for smaller plants like annual or perennial flowers, but trees and shrubs have deeper root systems – so they will need more water.
2. Test the soil at the base of the plant. If you scratch an inch down and the soil is moist, the plant does not need water. If the soil is dry, it’s time to water!
3. Most trees and shrubs won’t need water every day. If you water deeply, the watering should last 2-4 days (unless we have a severe heat wave). Weather will influence days between waterings: Cloudy, cool weather or warm, dry weather will increase or decrease between waterings.
4. You can water during the day or night.
5. Apply water to the base of the plant. If a hose can reach the plant, put the end of the hose at the base of the tree or shrub and have the water at a trickle. Leave it there for 1-2 hours for a small shrub, 2-3 hours for a large shrub or small tree and 4-5 hours for a large tree.
6. If a hose will not reach the site, get a 5 gallon bucket and drill a 1/8″ hole in the side, as close to the bottom as possible. Fill the bucket with a bout 4 gallons of water, placing the hole at the base of the plant. For a small shrub or small plant, one bucket will be enough. Refill again for a large tree (2 buckets).
Your goal is to provide your tree or shrub with a long, soaking watering that will reach down the the plant’s roots. Good watering is a key to helping your plant get established so it stays healthy and growing!
