Summer Watering Habits

When properly planted and cared for your plants will prosper, "A happy plant is a healthy plant" as the saying goes because insects and plant diseases are rarely a major problem with happy plants. To help keep your plants happy, we've listed some "Summer Watering Habits" for you to follow.

The Golden Rule

CHECK FOR MOISTURE BEFORE YOU WATER!

When planting trees and shrubs you should check the moisture level for one full year, or until the root system is established. To accurately do this, pull back the mulch and feel the soil with your hands along side the rootball about four inches below ground level. During the hot and dry summer months, this should be done every 2-3 days for smaller plants and every 3-5 days for larger plants and trees. If the soil is dry - water thoroughly, if it is moist - do not water and check the soil in another few days.  The object of watering is to find that "happy medium" neither too wet, nor too dry.  Be aware that both too little water and too much water can be detrimental.

There are many different ways to water plants. The most common methods are:

Garden Hose

Garden hoses can be turned on at a slow trickle and set on a root ball of a tree. During hot and dry weather you can water a tree with a trunk that is 2 1/2" in diameter for approximately a half hour moving the hose around the tree. Hoses are ideal for watering a single plant or tree or a number of plants.

Sprinklers

Sprinklers are best for watering lawns or an entire bed of plants, especially those with annuals and perennials. They are not, however, the best way to water individual plants because they do not allow for deep watering.

Soaker Hoses

Soaker hoses are great for slow, deep watering. They can be used in beds or rows, around root balls and surrounding soil. Soaker hoses 'sweat' and can be left to run for several hours depending on the size of the tree or plant.

Watering Wands

They are great for providing supplemental watering, especially for container grown plants. Container plants dry out more quickly than other plants. Let the water soak through the container for a few minutes while you move on to the next plant you are watering. Then go back and water each container again with the wand to ensure the roots absorbed the water.

Gator Bags

These can be used to water trees during hot and dry summer months. They can hold up to 20 gallons of water, are secured to the trunk of the tree and will release water slowly to the root ball over the course of 15-20 hours.  A convenient method of watering newly installed trees.

Water-Wise Tips

Container plants dry out quicker than balled and burlapped plants.

It is very important to water trees and shrubs thoroughly as needed during the hot summer months and in the late fall before the onset of winter.

Summer thunderstorms can provide some helpful moisture, BUT should not be considered a substitute for deep watering for trees.

Wilted leaves can result from the soil being either too dry or too wet thus it is best to feel the soil to determine which is the case before you water.

Bedding plants, vegetable gardens, hanging baskets and potted plants may need to be watered daily during the summer months depending on the amount of rain received.

It is best time to water in early morning before temperatures begin to rise. Water early enough so that the leaves have time to dry before nightfall to avoid disease. This pertains to grass and lawns too!

Mulching your plants will help retain moisture and will reduce the amount of watering you need to do as well.