How to Apply the Water

01. The best method for the application of water is to use a soaker hose or install a simple trickle (drip) irrigation system. The next best way is to use a garden hose and set the pressure so that the water only trickles out.

Where to Apply the Water

01. Surface watering is most effective. Apply the water directly over where you need water in the soil. Water should be applied near the base of the trunk of the plant (at a very low trickle as described above). Deep watering using a wand is not recommended.

02. The area to be watered should be twice the area of the diameter of the plant and back filled area around the plant. This is a critical issue due to hydrologic discontinuity. The key to accomplishing this is to water slowly.

How Often to Water

01. Plants need to be watered three times a week for the first month after planting. Unless it rains and the amount of rain is over three inches, watering should should still be done.

02. After the first month, plants should be watered twice a week. During hot spells all plants should be checked (and watched for signs of water need) every three days.

03. Begin watering plants which were planted in the previous year(s) when new foliage or growth appears. These guidelines apply to these plants as well as newly planted ones.

04. Water deciduous plants until their leaves fall off in the fall. Once the leaves fall off give the plants a final heavy soaking for the winter.

05. Water evergreen plants until Thanksgiving. At this time give the plant a final heavy soaking for the winter.

How Much Water to Apply

01. Plants need to have between one half gallon and one and one half gallons of water per square foot per week applied to them depending upon the soil type. Sandy soils need approximately one and one half gallons of water per square foot applied per week. Good black soil needs approximately one gallon of water per square foot applied per week. Clay soils require approximately one half gallon of water per square foot applied per week. One half gallon of water per square foot equals approximately one inch of water.

02. Determine the number of square feet requiring watering. Multiply the number of square feet requiring watering times the rate above (depending upon the soil type as stated) to determine the total number of gallons of water per week required for the plant.

03. It is recommended the first time one applies water to a new plant they take a one gallon jug and measure the output of their hose when it is set at a trickle rate. One will then know how long it will take to apply the amount of water required (as established above) for the plant.

04. We recommend watering by using Steps 1 through 3 above, and checking in between each watering to assure the amount of moisture being applied is correct.

05. We do not publish estimated watering time guidelines as, due to the many variables, suggesting a plant will be watered properly if it is watered for X number of minutes can be misleading and result in watering problems. Following the guidelines above, you will find it will take between 10 minutes to 30 minutes to water a container grown plant, depending upon its size and the soil conditions, and you will find it will take between 45 minutes to 90 minutes to water a balled and burlapped plant, depending upon its’ size and the soil conditions.

Special Watering Considerations

01. Plants planted in heavy clay soils require the most consideration. Seldom will they need more than 1″ of water per week. They should be checked regularly to see that they are not too dry or too wet.

02. In clay soils it is beneficial to first test for draining before planting. Dig a hole where the plant is to go, fill the hole with water and let it stand for 24 hours. If there is water remaining in the hole after that time, then special planting and watering procedures will be necessary.

03. Trees next to pavement or other hot surfaces can be 20 to 30 degrees warmer than plants in the back yard.

04. For every 18 degrees change in temperature the amount of water lost by a plant almost doubles. Therefore it is critical one checks their plants more regularly during hot spells.

05. Plants need to be watered slowly so the soil uptakes the moisture. Watering quickly results in more runoff and less effective watering. Mulching will help retain water over a longer period.

06. Less frequent and deeper watering from the surface is more beneficial than light watering.

07. Automatic lawn irrigation systems which run 20 to 30 minutes per day can often result in a continuously saturated soil, especially in clay soils. This will lead to severe root damage and plant death. If you have an irrigation system installed, careful monitoring of your watering needs should be done and any necessary adjustments made.

Common Signs of Over Watering or Under Watering

01. Over watering will cause leaves to turn yellow and fall off. This is the first and the easiest way to determine if there is a need for the reduction of water to a plant.

02. Under watering will result in leaves turning brown from the outside edge inward. This is really a sign of plant stress, however water (the lack of) is a primary factor in most instances.