General Watering Instructions
Your shrubs, ornamental grasses, or flowers have been carefully planted at the proper depth, location and placement for optimal growth and aesthetics. The plants’ roots will take a few weeks to expand out into the parent soil from the root ball. The following guidelines will help you and your plants for the next few months and beyond. They may be altered as needed based on natural rainfall, but only if that rain is substantial (substantial means rainfall equal to or greater than 1”).
- Water new plants daily for the first 7-10 days
- Water every other day for the next 10 days
- Water as needed following the initial 17-20 days
- Hand watering is highly recommended at the base of the plant to cover the entire root zone. For trees/shrubs, we recommend drip bags. These bags hold 20 gallons of water and zip around the trunk to provide 6-8 hours of localized drip action. For smaller plants:
- Hold water hose approximately 60 seconds per plant at a normal flow rate
- Keep water off the leaves of the plants, as it can lead to leaf scorch, fungus, etc.
- Excessive watering may lead to root rot
- Test moisture with a finger 2-3” deep around the base of the plants
- Allow soil to dry between waterings
- Water frequently during drought, high temperatures, and windy periods
Tree Watering Instructions
To ensure your new tree thrives, follow the 10-Gallon Rule: provide 10 gallons of water per week for every inch of trunk diameter (measured 12″ above the ground).
Example: A 4″ diameter tree requires 40 gallons per week.
The Method:
Water must flow slowly to deeply saturate the root ball. To prevent runoff, we recommend using a tree soaker bag (available at Grass Roots) or a bucket with a small 1/8″ hole to regulate the flow.
The Schedule:
Weeks 1–4: Full amount (10 gallons per inch).
Weeks 5–8: Half amount (5 gallons per inch).
Ongoing: Water as needed during dry spells or low precipitation.
Don’t forget to water during the winter, even in dormancy the root system needs water to survive.
_____
Once you’ve watered in your plants, you may want to add mulch and fertilize.
