NEWLY INSTALLED TREE/SHRUB MAINTENANCE:

There are many different variables affecting the amount of water each plant needs. Factors such as the moisture retention of the soil, exposed areas to drying winds, strong afternoon sunlight and periods of drought all affect the watering needs of a plant. The rule of thumb is at least one inch of rainfall per week or an equivalent supplied by irrigation. If the weather is very hot and dry, the plants can lose moisture through their leaves faster than they can take water up from their roots. New plantings are working hard at developing new roots, and without adequate water, roots will dry out and the plant will fail.

Slow, deep watering is much more effective than a light sprinkling which encourages roots to the surface where they are much more likely to dry out and develop a weaker plant. A first year plant should be watered the entire year right into autumn. This provides excellent insurance for the plant’s survival through the winter. Try this: place hose at base of plant, adjust pressure to allow for slow trickle of water and maintain for approximately 20 minutes. Repeat this process several times per week for the newly installed season. Adjustments should be made for excessive rainy periods or severe drought.