Proper Watering Technique

GreenWeaver Landscapes designs grouping plants with similar cultural requirements, providing for long-term, low maintenance landscapes. However, during the first 2 years, regular irrigation is essential to new installation survival. Below we have outlined instructions to properly water a variety of plant groups, as well as general guidelines to follow.

We recommend watering in early morning. In hot afternoon sun, water evaporates rapidly, and in the evening, plants are not actively utilizing the water which can stimulate disease. To encourage maximum plant growth with deep but infrequent watering. The directions below are guidelines; take into consideration days of extreme heat, cold, rain, or wind. To maximize water efficiency and minimize your efforts, water only the root zone and soil immediately surrounding the root zone. The second year after installation, supplemental water is only necessary during periods of drought.

Trees & Shrubs:

• Water the entire root system deeply and thoroughly; for a large tree, it may take up to an hour, for smaller shrubs, it may take 10 minutes. Time depends on the rate of watering, the size of the plant, soil properties, and percolation rate. Take into account recent rainfall when watering.
• Water extensively 1-2 times per week.

Perennials:

• Cover the entire root system deeply and thoroughly. This can be done by hand, using a garden hose, or to cover large areas, use a sprinkler.
• In the spring and fall months, water 3-4 times per week.
• During hot summer months, water 3-6 times per week.

Lawns (Sod):

• Use a sprinkler to water sod until thoroughly saturated.
• Edges of sod should be watered by hand, with a garden hose, as the edges tend to dry out faster.
• Daily watering is necessary the 1st week following installation.
• Water 3 times per week until established (usually about 3 weeks).
• Then as needed for the rest of the season – weekly in the summer months.

Lawns (Seed):

• Use a sprinkler to reach all areas of seed.
• Seed should be constantly moist, but not saturated.
• Water at least 1 time daily for first 2 weeks following installation.
• Regular watering through establishment. Seed is established by 3rd mow, after germination.

Additional Maintenance Guidelines:

Pruning:

We perform necessary pruning to shrubs at installation. Supplemental pruning may be needed in growing years two and three. Contact us if you think your trees or shrubs need pruning for health, shape, or size.

Cutbacks:

It is great to cut back herbaceous plants (perennials and grasses) in early spring. Not only do dry perennials and grasses provide winter interest, but many herbaceous plants provide important habitat or food for beneficial insects and birds through the winter months. Cut back again in late February to approximately 4” above the base of the plant.

Tree Stakes:

Remove tree stakes after 1 year of growth.

Mulch:

Maintain 2-3” of mulch over open areas of soil. Keep mulch away from the base of plants as it may hold water and encourage rot. We recommend composted leaf mulch or non-dyed shredded hardwood mulch.