Proper Watering Procedures
Proper watering of a newly installed plant or landscape is critical to their successful establishment and future growth. Though watering may seem like a simple task, it is a complex subject that does not easily offer a "one size fits all" guideline for the quantity and frequency of watering. Please do not hesitate to stop at our offices or give us a call at 262-252-4988 if you have any questions.
Roots need water to survive and to supply needed moisture above ground for the process of photosynthesis. However, it is critical to understand that roots also need oxygen in order to survive and function. The main objective is to never allow the soil around the roots of new plantings to be too dry, and likewise, never too wet. While it is easy to understand why plants suffer when they are too dry, but plants can also suffer, and perhaps die, if they are too wet for a long period of time. Oxygen is not available in waterlogged soil as it occupies the same pore space as water.
How Often to Water
Plant material must be watered thoroughly at planting time. Subsequent watering will depend upon whether the plant was balled & burlapped or in a container, weather conditions, soil type, etc.
Note: Irrigation systems do not provide the appropriate amount of water at the required times for newly installed plants.
A rain gauge is a wise investment if you do not have one, as 1" of rain water per week is recommended for established plants.
How to Water
It is most important to water thoroughly. This is best accomplished by setting your garden hose at the base of the plant with the nozzle removed. Let the water slowly trickle to completely saturate the soil. Root masses may be 12 to 24 inches deep or deeper; the water must penetrate that deeply. You may need to allow the first soaking to penetrate and repeat if runoff is a problem.
An alternative method for large bedded areas is using a sprinkler and a rain gauge, making sure the amount of water used adds up to 1 to 2 inches.
Weather and Other Factors
Watering plants replaces the water that has evaporated from the soil suface and the water that the plant has transpired (water extracted from the soil moves up the plant and is lost as vapor from the leaves). These two processes combined are called evapotranspiration and the rate at which it takes place is influenced by such factors as temperature, humidity, wind, light, day length and if the soil is mulched. The faster the rate of water loss, the sooner the plants will need to be watered.
Hot, Dry, or Windy Weather
Plants transpire at a faster rate and more water evaporates from the soil surface during hot, dry, or windy weather than during cool or humid weather. Plants in full sun transpire faster than plants in shady locations and water evaporates from the soil faster in sunny locations as well.
Day Length
Plants transpire only during the daylight. June is usually the month with the greatest water demand because it has the longest days, even though it may not be the hottest month of the summer.
Mulching
A thick layer of mulch keeps the soil cool and reduces the amount of water that evaporates from the surface reducing the amount needed.
Soil Type
Determining how water is retained in the soil and how the plant roots are able to take up water is critical. An understanding of soil types helps in guiding you in proper watering frequency. Essentially, sandy, well-drained soils demand a more frequent watering schedule. Plants in heavy clay soils, the most common in our area, have to be watered less frequently or the soil will become saturated, greatly limiting oxygen and thus suffocating the roots and killing the plant.
Site Exposure
Shade vs. sun; north exposure vs. south exposure; high ground vs. low; and flat vs. sloped can all impact how the water is or isn't retained.
Plant Requirements
Plants can be divided into three broad groups based on moisture requirements:
- Moisture loving plants thrive in soil that is moist, but not wet. they cannot tolerate drought. Water these plants when the soil is damp.
- Typical plants are those that require an average amount of water. Water these plants when the soil is just barely moist.
- Drought tolerant plants can usually withstand long periods of drought, but they can grow better when watered periodically. Water these plants as soon as the soil in the root zone feels completely dry. These plants are drought tolerant after they are well-rooted (usually takes one or two growing seasons), until then, treat these plants as typical. These plants cannot tolerate wet soil.
Watch Your Plants
It is always a good idea to observe plants and look for signs of water need. In most cases, these symptoms signal a lack of water and the plant will recover if watered soon enough.
- Curling leaves are usually the first indication of stress. The surface area of the plant is being reduced to cut down on transpiration, loss of water from the leaves.
- Normally shiny leaves grow dull. Bright green leaves take on a blue or gray-green appearance.
- New growth wilts or droops and older leaves turn brown, dry up and fall off.
- Flowers fade quickly and drop prematurely.
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Watering Guide During the First Growing Season:
This is only a guide. Please read the rest of this webpage for weather and other factors that may alter requirements.
Balled & Burlapped Plants
- Water thoroughly at time or planting.
- Water every 5 days for the first month.
- From then on, water once every week.
Containerized Plants
- Water thoroughly at time of planting.
- During the first week, check the plant daily for indications of needing water.
- After the first week, water twice a week for three weeks.
- From then on, water once every week.
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Checking Soil Moisture
Damp Soil
Feels cool and wets your finger, but does not muddy it. When squeezed, water will not run out.
Moist Soil
Feels cool and moist, but does not dampen your finger. The soil is crumbly, but not dry and dusty.
Completely Dry Soil
Dry and no longer cool to the touch.
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