Main Office Centerville Garden Center Beavercreek Garden Center

3001 Catalpa Drive 6000 Far Hills Avenue 2074 Beaver Valley Road

Dayton, OH 45405 Centerville, OH 45459 Beavercreek, OH 45434

274-1154 434-1326 427-4110

WATERING TREES & SHRUBS

Once your plants are installed, watering becomes the owner’s responsibility. Proper irrigation is critical for the plants, especially during the first three years after planting. These plants are most susceptible to drought or over-watering injuries when they are becoming established in the yard.

Do not over-water or leave the soil saturated for a long period of time. One inch of water/rain per week for newly planted trees and shrubs, is the general rule, although frequency varies with different types of plants, different soil types, exposure to sun & wind, amount of rain, and whether or not the plant is mulched. To monitor how much water is received from a sprinkler, use a can placed in the watering zone. When the can is filled with an inch of water, you have watered sufficiently. If you are letting the hose run on a newly planted tree, let it run for at lease 15-30 minutes for a deep watering. It is important that the soil be watered thoroughly to encourage deep rooting. Less frequent, slow and deep watering is preferable to frequent shallow watering. To determine actual moisture content, dig into the soil with a trowel or small shovel to a depth of four to eight inches; if the soil is moist, there is no need to water at this time.

Established trees and shrubs generally receive sufficient moisture during a normal lawn-watering program or from natural rainfall. If natural rainfall has not been adequate, and watering is necessary, make sure that the sprinkler is positioned so that the entire area within the drip line of the branches receives water. Most trees and shrubs have roots that extend to the drip line and beyond. The drip line represents the area under the tree or shrub measured straight down from the tip-end of the branches. As with newly planted trees, less frequent but deep watering is preferable to frequent shallow watering. All trees and shrubs need to be watered during periods of drought. If you have questions regarding irrigation, just give us a call or send an e-mail.