Watering New Plants
WATERING GUIDELINES FOR NEW PLANTINGS
Newly installed plants should be watered every 3-7 days and at times every other day, depending on weather conditions and the type/ size of the plant. Because over-watering and under-watering are two of the top reasons which cause plant material to decline, it is important that your plants are checked frequently.
Be sure to follow these steps before starting to water:
• Pull back the mulch around the rootball (base) of the plant
• By hand — be sure to not disturb the plant’s root system — dig 2-3” down into the soil in the rootball
• Feel the soil in the rootball of the plant...is it hard and dry or cool and moist?
• If the soil in the root ball feels hard or dry it most likely needs water
HOW SHOU LD I WATER?
The key to properly and adequately watering plant material is to provide the plant with a slow, deep soaking water. The best way to accomplish this is to lay the end of a garden hose (with spray nozzle removed) near the base/rootball of the plant and let the water slowly trickle out. The benefit of watering with the hose (as opposed to overhead sprinklers or an irrigation system) is that the water goes directly to the rootball; it does not increase water contact with the foliage or stems and it cuts down on water evaporation. Because different types and sizes of plants may require different amounts of water, be sure to follow these guidelines:
Plant Type - Watering Time, Frequency
Container shrubs and small B&B (balled & burlapped) plants - 3-4 mins., every 3-4 days
Large shrubs, trees 1.5” caliper, 6-8’ evergreens - 20 mins., every 4-5 days
Trees 1.5”-2.5” caliper, 8-12’ evergreens - 40-60 mins., every 4-7 days
Trees 3” caliper and 12’+ evergreens - 60-90 mins., every 4-7 days
Below is a list of thirsty plants which may require additional watering and should be checked often:
Barberry, Dogwood, Japanese Maple, Spirea, RH Montgomery Spruce, Beech, Hemlock, Magnolia, Alberta Spruce, Serbian Spruce, River Birch, Hydrangea, Redbud, Fat Albert Spruce, Pear, Burning Bush, lnkberry, Serviceberry, Globe Blue Spruce, Perennials, Annuals, Ground Cover
Important Reminders:
• Look for signs of water stress like wilting or dropping foliage, changes in leaf color, burning or browning leaf tips/needles
• Watering times and frequency should be adjusted based on the season and weather conditions
• With hot and dry Indiana summers, it is important to monitor new plantings and follow these guidelines for at least 2-3 seasons
• Always check the soil in the plant’s rootball before watering and as needed, please feel free to contact us for seasonal advice
