Watering Instructions

BROADLEAF EVERGREENS - DECIDUOUS SHRUBS - EVERGREEN SHRUBS

When watering, soak the plants thoroughly. Each plant should be watered about five to ten minutes. Water with a stream of water 1/2 inch in diameter. Start watering 7 days after plants have been installed. Continue this every seven days. (If the weather is 85 degrees or warmer, the first two waterings should be done approximately 5 days apart).

You will want to continue watering until the ground becomes frozen in the Fall/Winter (to prevent the winter sun from dehydrating the plants). The following Spring, resume watering instructions above.

After the first year, established plants should be watered every three to four weeks during June, July, August and September.

TREES - SHADE, FLOWERING, EVERGREEN

Frequency of watering is the same as for shrubs, but the amount will vary according to the size of the tree. It is a good rule of thumb to water 15 minutes for every inch diameter of the tree with a stream of water 1/2 inch in diameter.

If the trees are planted in the Fall while leaves still persist, water every ten to twelve days until ground freezes. If the tree is planted after the leaves have fallen, it will not be necessary to water the plant until Spring (approximately April 15th).

GROUND COVERS - VINCA MINOR, EUONYMUS COLORATUS, PACHYSANDRA

In order for these plants to spread and become established, they must be watered every week for the first month; and then watered every two weeks thereafter for the next two months.

After the first year, your ground cover should be watered every two weeks during June, July, August and September.

NOTES FOR PLANT MATERIAL:

• If you are unsure if plant material needs watering; check by pulling away the mulch on top of the ball to check for moisture. If very dry, water is needed immediately. If moist, wait one or two more days and check again. Proceed as necessary.
• Broad leaf evergreens (Azaleas, Rhododendron, Japanese Holly) generally need more water than needle evergreens (Junipers).
• Rain may supplement watering if it has rained steadily for two days. Pay special attention to areas where plants might receive little or no water from rainfall.
• Hot weather, poor drainage or 'excessive' rain may change future watering procedures.

SOD

For the first week, sod should be watered every day if necessary, keeping the top 4" of the topsoil moist.

The second week, every other day should be sufficient.

The third week, water two times per week.

After week three, 1" of water every seven days in the summer months is required and 1" every 10 to 15 days in the cooler months.

SEED

Newly seeded areas must be kept moist throughout the germination period. Area should receive a daily watering of at least ½ inch or more until seed has germinated and reached a height of 2 inches. Be careful not to create excessive puddling or run off which would wash away seed.

After seed has reached a height of 2", watering should be performed less frequently (approx. two times per week) but at a greater volume – 1" per watering.

After the 2nd mowing, watering can be reduced to 1 time per week at a rate of 1" per watering until the 4th mowing.

Established seeded areas (after 4th mowing) only require mowing during periods of drought.

NOTES FOR SOD AND SEED:

• Steady rain may supplement watering.
• Certain locations may require more or less watering depending on the soil conditions. Sand soils require more watering. Clay soils require less watering.
• Hot weather, poor drainage or excessive rain may change future watering procedures.
• Established lawn may be watered more frequently, 1 to 7 times per week to maintain lush green appearance.

        Linecard of Services »