Many of our clients are thrilled once we install shrubs, flowers, sod, or grass seed for them, but then comes the most important part! Watering! You invested in your property, now to ensure that your investment pays off AND looks beautiful the work is up to you: watering! Proper watering is simple and in this article we will show you how to take the best care of your newly installed landscape.
Watering new shrubs and perennials
The ideal method of watering is deeper and less often. How often you water depends on your climate and the species your growing. Morning time or afternoon is best to avoid creating conditions for fungal growth overnight. Avoid watering during hot and sunny hours unless absolutely necessary. You want to water the roots of the plant, not the leaves. Water should be applied evenly to the soil around your specimen, not on just one side, to prevent uniform root growth. Be sure not to compact the soil around your plant by stepping there every time you water. Let the water pool around your plant, go on to the next and then come back and do it again. Less often and deeper.
Watering of new grass seed and sod
Wether you have new sod or seed you want to water every morning for a month. Avoid watering in the evening/ night as the water stays on the blades of grass and can create fungal infections which destroy your investment. You want to water atleast 1” deep but preferably 2” deep everywhere for the first month. The principle is the same as watering your shrubs or perennials: deeper and less frequent. It is easiest for many people to use a sprinkler on a timer. This ensures even watering everyday for the pre-determined time. You cant forget due to your kids, responsibilities or distractions of life. After this first month you will want to water 1 to 3 times a week for another month depending on conditions like soil, season and slope.
Effective watering is pretty simple. Remember: less often and deeper saturating water applications. However you choose to water, be conscious that you are not wasting water as 1/3 of water used for irrigation. If you have any questions, please contact us for best watering practices. Thank you for reading!