Essential Watering Tips for Trees & Shrubs

A Note on Root Establishment

Primary growth occurs in the root system with minimal growth in the canopy. The establishment phase usually takes one growing season with proper planting and watering.

Watering Basics

Recently planted trees and shrubs establish more quickly with light, frequent irrigation. Drought tolerant species are not drought tolerant until the root system becomes established. Check soil moisture frequently and water accordingly. Using a moisture meter is helpful to determine moisture level.

Winter Watering Basics

Trees, shrubs, and perennials including evergreens require supplemental watering from October through March. Apply water at mid-day when temps are above 40 degrees F. Water once a month of more frequently during extended periods of drought. Failure to water during the winter months can cause injury or death to the plant’s root system.

 

Watering/Irrigation

Newly Installed Plants

• All newly planted material should be kept moist for the first 2 weeks after installation, which can mean watering every day during the warmer parts of the year.
• Do not overwater. It is always best to test the soil around the plant with your finger. If the top few inches of soil are beginning to dry out, or the plant is looking wilted you will need to water.
• After two weeks the watering can be reduced to three times a week.
• For landscapes with irrigation, allow irrigation to run for approximately 20 minutes per watering time.
• If your irrigation was installed by City Floral, please call the City Floral Landscaping office if you have questions.

Winter Watering

• Thorough winter water during the winter months is crucial for the first few seasons. Water at least two times per month. More if winter is dry.
• Water even if there is or has been snow on the ground. 8″ of snow will only equal about one inch of water.
• If the ground is frozen, you can skip watering that area until it thaws, but water all other areas.

Trees & Shrubs
*These are plants with woody stems, branches, and trunks.

• Keep soil moist (not wet or dry). Do not allow root ball to dry up in the first year. 
• Evergreen trees and shrubs such as conifers, boxwood, and yews need consistent water through the winter months because they retain their leaves and can more easily dry out from wind and sun.

Cultural Practices

General

• Mulching at the base will help insulate the plant’s crown during the winter months.

Trees & Shrubs

• Trunks of some deciduous trees (particularly ones planted in exposed areas, south and west of the yard) should be wrapped for at least three seasons to protect from sunburn/scald during the winter. Tree wrap can be found at the garden center or be applied as a service with City Floral Landscaping.
• Columnar trees may benefit from wrapping to prevent branch flares or breakage caused by weight of snow accumulation on branches. 
• Pruning/Shaping- the focus in the first season is acclimation and rooting. Refrain from pruning or shaping the tree/shrub the first year after planting. Lightly removing any dead wood is fine.