Did you recently have plants installed? You're in the right place!
Plant Watering & Care Guide
When To Water
For newly planted trees or shrubs, it’s crucial to provide sufficient water during their establishment phase. Follow these watering intervals to ensure their healthy growth:
1-2 weeks after planting: Water daily to promote root establishment.
3-12 weeks after planting: Water every 2 to 3 days to sustain their growth.
After 12 weeks: Water weekly until the roots are fully established.
By adhering to this watering schedule, you can help your newly planted trees and shrubs thrive and develop a strong root system, ensuring their long-term health and vitality.
How long does it take for perennial plants, shrubs, and tree roots to establish?
Newly planted perennials are considered established after one complete growing season. If planted in the Spring, it is advisable to continue watering them until the beginning of Fall.
As for shrubs, they are considered established when their root spread equals the spread of the above-ground canopy. This typically takes one to two years, with the time frame increasing as the size of the shrub or tree becomes larger. For instance, larger trees (6+ ft tall at installation) may require 3-4 years to fully establish.
Establishment times for trees progressively increase with their size, meaning that larger trees will take longer to establish their root systems. Proper watering during this establishment period is essential for the long-term health and survival of your newly planted perennials, shrubs, and trees.
How much should I water?
To ensure proper watering for newly planted plants, follow these guidelines:
-
Perennials: Apply approximately 0.25 gallons (about a quart) of water per plant during each watering session.
-
Shrubs: Use a volume of water equivalent to 1/4 to 1/3 of the container’s volume in which the shrub was purchased. For example, for a 3-gallon container, water each shrub with about 0.75-1 gallon of water.
-
Trees: Water newly planted trees using 1-1.5 gallons of water per inch of stem caliper during each watering. Please refer to the provided table for more detailed guidance on the recommended watering amount based on the stem caliper size.
Adhering to these watering guidelines will help ensure the successful establishment and healthy growth of your newly planted perennials, shrubs, and trees.
How much to water newly planted trees based on size of trunk
| Caliper of tree trunk | Root establishment time | Gallons of water at each irrigation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 inch | 1.5 years | 1-1.5 gallons |
| 2 inches | 3 years | 2-3 gallons |
| 3 inches | 4.5 years | 3-4.5 gallons |
| 4 inches | 6 years | 4-6 gallons |
| 5 inches | 7.5 years | 5-7.5 gallons |
| 6 inches | 9 years | 6-9 gallons |