Basic Steps to Watering Plants and Trees
How to Water New Plants
Knowing how to water new plants trees, shrubs, and flowers is essential for their success, especially in the first year. Start by thoroughly watering the plant immediately after planting and the next day to help the roots settle. For the first 3-4 weeks, maintain even moisture around the root ball. Afterward, shift to a deep watering routine, soaking the soil and then allowing it to get close to dry before soaking again.
Why Watering New Plants is Essential
Proper watering of newly planted plants is of utmost importance and ‘key’ to their success, especially during the 1st year, and for some, 2nd, and 3rd years, getting new roots established. Don’t take this lightly; improper watering (too dry / too wet) is the #1 reason for new plants struggling or dying. It’s difficult to tell new plant owners how and when to water as no 2 sites are the same: different soils, container vs. balled and burlapped plants, different plant’s water needs, the weather, and the seasons will vary watering requirements. Here are general watering guidelines to help:
Step 1: Initial Watering After Planting
Thoroughly water all plants immediately after planting and again the next day. Then, start regular watering. (Water container plants as needed if they are not being planted within a few days.)
Step 2: Watering for the First 3-4 Weeks
Check soil moisture daily (physically touch or use a Moisture Meter), keeping even moisture in the root ball and surrounding soil for 3-4 weeks. Water deeply and thoroughly as needed to keep even moisture (not soggy wet).
Step 3: Ongoing Watering After 4 Weeks
Begin the watering routine of deep, thorough soaking, allowing the soil to get close to dry, and soaking again. This may vary from once every 3-5 days to every 7-10 days. Check soil moisture regularly to determine when to water next. SOAK, LET SOIL GET CLOSE TO DRY, SOAK. Do this until mid-fall. Water evergreens as needed until late fall. “Close to dry” lets the soil breathe between waterings.
Step 4: Watering Tips for the First Year
During the 2nd and 3rd growing seasons, continue to water as needed, which now maybe every 10 days to 2 weeks. New plants can take 2-3 years or longer to become ‘established’. Pay special attention during hotter / drier times of the year. Windy days can be very drying as well.
Step 5: Consistent Watering for Established Plants
Established landscape plants need 1” of rainfall every 7-10 days for optimum growing conditions. Unfortunately, rainfall may not sufficiently water newly planted trees and shrubs unless it’s an all-day or multiple-day rain. Check soil moisture (physical touch or use a Moisture Meter), water as needed, and count on rainfall as a bonus.
If you miss a watering during dry times, your time, effort, and investment may be wasted. Proper watering is the key to your new plant’s success.
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