Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:30pm Sat 8am-1p

Phone: 417-840-2348

How to Water Newly-Planted Landscape Plants

December 15, 2023

Your trees, shrubs 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”).  

  1. Water new plants daily for the first 7-10 days
  2. Water every other day for the next 10 days
  3. Water as needed following the initial 17-20 days
  4. 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
  1. Water frequently during drought, high temperatures, and windy periods

_____

Once you’ve watered in your plants, you may want to add mulch and fertilize.

Grass Roots Team

Watering Tips

  • Our watering advice is based on plants living in a 72 degree house. Porch life or humidity could have an impact on its watering needs.
  • Always use tepid water for watering your houseplants.
  • Broadleaf plants need less water in fall and winter, but you should never allow the soil to completely dry out.
Skip to content