Watering Guidelines for Perennials, Shrubs and Trees

General Watering Guide

**When using a hose please allow the water to run until cold before using to water**

  • Water slowly to allow water to go deep and encourage roots to go down into the soil

  • When gauging if it’s time to water, check the solid moisture by sticking a finger into the soil.  If the top few inches are damp, wait another day or 2 before watering.  If the top few inches are dry, it's time to water!

  • Water from the base of the plant and then out to the drip line (especially for trees and shrubs)

  • Water in the morning or evening if you can’t do the morning. This will allow the leaves to dry out if they get wet and prevent issues like mold and mildew forming

  • Avoid overwatering and underwatering as much as possible!  Both can cause yellowing leaves and drooping stems, monitor the soil for dampness to determine the cause

  • Windy and sunny hot days will dry out soil faster, so check plantings on those days

  • If there has been a steady rain for at least 30 minutes you can skip watering that day

Perennials

  • Week 1: Check daily and water when the top 1”-2” of soil is dry. We recommend watering for 20 -  30 seconds per plant

  • Week 2: Check every 2 days and water when the top 1”-2” of soil is dry.  

  • Week 3: Check every few days, water when top 1”-2” is dry.  

  • Remainder of the season or until Established: Check weekly, water as needed

Trees and Shrubs

First 2 weeks

  • Trees and shrubs should be watered daily (unless there is significant rainfall, >½ inch) for 2 weeks after planting. We recommend 2 gallons per ball & burlap tree and ½ -1 gallon per tree/shrub. 

  • Check moisture under the mulch around the base of the trunk.  If the soil is dry in the top 3” water deeply and slowly until the whole root area is wet.

  • Broadleaf shrubs may lose foliage in the middle of summer, keep watering them even if that happens

  • Water once a week for the remainder of the first growing season. If it’s very hot, resume daily watering until cooling occurs. 

Please reach out with any questions! Info@ecotonelandscapesvt.com