New Plantings Need Water
The roots of newly planted trees and shrubs must be kept steadily moist, but not soggy, as the developing roots establish in new soil. At planting, water thoroughly to soak the roots and to settle the new soil around the root mass.
The amount of supplemental water needed each week during the first season after planting depends on rainfall, temperature, wind and soil conditions. If less than one inch of rain has fallen in five to seven days, the plants must be watered or they may not survive.
One of the most critical times for supplementing rainfall is in the fall months. Maintain weekly watering, as needed, until the ground freezes.
How Much Water?
In general, ten gallons of water applied twice a week will wet a 20” – 24” root ball and provide the equivalent of one inch of rainfall.
Measure the amount of water you apply by filling a container of known volume with water running slowly from a hose with no nozzle. For instance, if it takes five minutes for the water to fill a two-gallon watering can, you know that it will take twenty-five minutes to apply ten-gallons of water with the hose.
Run the Water at a Consistent Rate Each Time
Set a kitchen timer to tell you when to stop.
Keep the root mass moist. It will dry out more quickly than the surrounding back-filled soil. Monitor the soil moisture to a depth of twelve inches by probing gently with a spade. Test for moisture with your fingers.
- Water slowly, avoid runoff.
- Make sure water penetrates deeply to establish healthy roots.
- Avoid frequent, light sprinkling.
- Measure rate of flow from your hose, or use a can or bucket of known volume.
- Account for rainfall and weather conditions.
- Sandy, dry soils need more water
- Check soil moisture by physical inspection.
- Too much water can kill plants; soil should never be soggy. Roots need air as well as water.
Flower and Vegetable Gardens
Water flower and vegetable transplants with 1½ quarts of water and larger perennials with three quarts of water at planting. Use less water if the soil is heavy and/or poorly drained. Garden plants also require one inch of rain, or supplemental water every five to seven days.
Keep newly seeded grass areas consistently moist until an even stand of seedling growth is established. Avoid water run-off. A thin layer of straw over the planting will help shade emerging seedlings and retain moisture. Decrease the amount of water gradually to encourage deeper rooting. Thereafter, one inch of rain or supplemental water each week is optimal.
Mulch Conserves Water
Mulch new perennials, shrubs, trees at planting time to conserve moisture and to suppress grass and weeds. This encourages fine root development and healthy growth.