When planting new trees and shrubs, it’s important not to play the guessing game on appropriate watering times. Make sure you follow these helpful tips to keep your new greenery alive and well. After all, it’s hard to grow when you’re dehydrated or drowning!

1. Timing is Everything

Always water in the morning or evening, when the hot sun won’t evaporate a good portion of the water.

2. Get a Schedule Going

Your new garden additions are going to need some TLC when it comes to H2O. They will need water more frequently than trees or shrubs that have been around for a while. Make sure that when they go first in the ground, you give them a good healthy hose down. After planting:

• • for 1-2 weeks – water every day
  • for 3-12 weeks – water every 2-3 days
  • 12 weeks – water once per week until roots establish themselves

3. For a Single Tree/Shrub

Use a hose drip – simply turn water on low and allow the ground around the tree to soak for a few minutes – that should be should be good for the week.

4. For a Bigger Section of Freshly Planted Garden

A sprinkler works great for better coverage! Pick a sprinkler option that works best for you (and the kids for some backyard fun!)

5. Low Pressure

Unless your yard is perfectly flat, make sure you don’t turn the hose on too high or it’ll run off. When the ground is hot and dry, it can’t absorb water quickly and the water will just drain off downhill.

Happy watering!