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Care for New Plantings
Many plants experience stress when newly planted. You must
water regularly. Insufficient watering in the first year is the number one cause of plant failure. Follow instructions
for deep watering, as listed below, 2-3 times per week through the first season and subsequent periods of drought.
Continue until the plant is well established, adjust accordingly or as weather dictates. Over-watering can be just as
damaging as under-watering and can also have some of the same characteristics, so please allow the plantings to dry out in
between waterings. Signs of improper watering include wilt, leaf drop, and early fall color. Remember: 10 to 15 minute
downpours seldom soak the soil so you may need to water even though it has just rained. The best time to water
is the early morning hours. You want to avoid watering during the heat of the day, this allows for too much evaporation
and may also scald foilage. Watering late in the evening when plants cannot properly dry out encourages mildew and other
fungal problems particularly on roses and spirea.
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Trees and Shrubs: Prior to
watering, check the moisture content beneath the plant. It is time to water when the first 1-2" of soil is dry.
Water Deeply: It is best to water slowly as to allow the soil to absorb the moisture. Direct the water
to the base of the plant, avoiding the leaves. You want to continue to water until the soil is saturated, approximately
5-6" deep. This will encourage deep root growth and greater long term drought tolerance. Watering shallowly causes
shallow rooted, wilt prone plants. During periods of drought, make sure to check the moisture content more often.
Turf: New seed and sod require
CONSTANT moisture for the first 10-14 days. SEED should be watered regularly until
2" of growth has occurred by watering approximately 10 minutes, two or more times per day as conditions indicate. SOD
should be watered for 20 minutes at least two times per day. The sod should be so wet that you cannot walk on it without
sinking in. Avoid walking on the sod until it has rooted. You may cut your sod after two weeks.
Groundcovers or Perennials:
Water with a hand-held sprayer for 1 to 2 minutes, three times per week for 2-4 weeks but do not over-saturate.
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