GENERAL WATERING INSTRUCTIONS:
- Check All plants weekly. Check newly planted trees and shrubs every few days for the first two weeks. Annuals and perennials more often, thereafter, every week. Simply dig around the root zone with your fingers to a depth of 2-3" for small plants and 6-8" for larger ones and trees. Water generously when the soil feels dry to the touch.
- Slow, deep watering is preferred. this type of watering is accomplished by placing the hose at the base of the plant, at a heavy trickle, and water 5-10 minutes for small plants - longer for larger plants while moving the hose in a few locations around the plant.
- When the soil feels moist do not water. Soil must be allowed to dry out between watering. If a plant is maintained in consistently moist soil, the plant's health will deteriorate over time. A plant weakened by over watering may die of oxygen deprivation or become susceptible to pest and disease.
- Monitoring water requirements frequently is more important than watering frequently. Monitor you plants' water requirements for at least the first few years. Plants close to buildings where heat may reflect and plants under roof eaves require closer monitoring. During the hot summer months and early fall disregard natural rainfall. Often, rain received during these periods produces mostly runoff and contributes little, if any to increasing ground moisture
- Maintain a 2-2 1/2" mulch layer to help conserve ground moisture, prevent weeds and retain moisture. Remember, excess amounts of mulch will result in poor air circulation and reduce plant vigor.
