- As you review the watering chart below — keep in mind that far more landscape plants die from drowning than from any other cause. If it rains, adjust your watering schedule accordingly, but watch plants closely for signs of dryness or water-logging.
- It is best to hand water new plants in your landscape with a watering wand on the end of a hose. Move from plant to plant giving the suggested amount of water with the wand at full flow. Do not leave a hose trickling by the base of a new plant. You won’t know how much water it receives, and you may forget to move the hose to the next plant. This could severely over-water and/or drown the plant. Warranty is voided if plants are watered by leaving the hose to trickle water. Avoid watering new plants with irrigation systems during the first year of establishment. It’s too easy to over or under water them. Water by hand with a watering wand, and be sure when you plant to have a small ring dike of soil around each plant.
To help plants root in quickly, be sure to root prune potted plants aggressively prior to planting. Landscape plants take 12-18 months to establish so that watering isn’t needed. With this in mind — please be sure to water your plants as recommended. It is extremely important that your plants have a dirt ring dike and are mulched after planting. The watering chart assumes that you have done this for every plant, so water seeps in rather than running off. (see planting instructions)
Water according to chart below. Invest in a good watering wand and water at full water flow — (provided that your water pressure delivers 5 gals in 30 seconds. Make adjustments if it is more or less than 5 gals in 30 seconds.)
| Pot Size | 1st Month | 2nd Month | 3rd Month through 12 months (no watering in Dec-March) |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | 1-2 seconds/day (1 qt) | 1-2 sec. every other day (1 qt.) | 1-2 sec. every 3-7 days (1 qt) |
| #2 | 2-3 seconds/day (1-2 qts) | 2-3 sec. every other day (1-2 qts.) | 2-3 sec. every 3-7 days (1-2 qts) |
| #5, #7, #10 | 3-4 seconds/day (3 qts+) | 3-4 sec. every other day (3 qts+) | 3-4 sec. every 3-7 days (3 qts+) |
| #15 | 5 seconds/day (1 gal+) | 5 sec. every other day (1 gal +) | 5 sec. every 3-7 days (1 gal +) |
| #20, #25 | 6-12 seconds/day (1-2 gal.) | 6-12 sec. every other day (1-2 gal.) | 6-12 sec. every 3-7 days (1-2 gal.) |
| Balled & Burlapped | 1 minute — 1 time per week- 10 gals. Mid-week — 15 sec. if extreme heat | 1 minute — 1 time per week — 10 gals. Mid-week — 15 sec. if extreme heat | 1 minute — 1 time per week — 10 gals. Mid-week — 15 sec. if extreme heat |
| Tree-spade trees | 20 gals. once per week Birch trees — twice a week | 20 gals. once per week Birch trees — twice a week | 20 gals. once per week Birch trees — 10 gals. mid-week add’l |
Exceptions
- If you have heavier, clay type soil, you may need to water less and increase the time between waterings. Prior to watering, check the plants to see if the root ball is still wet. If the root ball is wet, delay a day or two before watering.
- If your soil is quite sandy, you may need to add an additional watering. Again, check the root ball before watering.
- Some varieties of plants need more water than others. These plants include:
- Birch, Willow, Hydrangea, Honeylocust, Ligularia, Dogwood, Ninebark, Potentilla, Spirea, Astilbe, Eupatorium
- Some varieties of plants need less water than others. These plants include:
- Spruce, Pine, Sugar Maple, Royal Red Maple, Greenspire Linden, Sedum, Hens & Chicks, Clematis, Columbine
- During very dry, hot or windy periods, you may need to water an additional time. On new plants, be sure to watch them and check for watering needs. Established plants benefit from watering during droughts as well.
