Watering Tips

Use Mulch. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the plant (but keep away from the trunk). Do not over-apply. More is not better and invites problems.

Use your Hand. Check the soil weekly.This means probing down into the soil with your hand. Over-watering and under-watering symptoms can be identical. The only sure way to find out is to probe the soil.

Use your Head. Remember that high temperatures cause higher rates of evaporation and plants transpire (sweat) more in higher temperatures. Plants in raised areas (berms & slopes) will dry out much faster. Larger plants nearby will compete fiercely with smaller plants for any nearby water during dry periods.

Use a Hose. Sprinklers and spray nozzles are not effective in providing adequate water to the area where plants need it. Sprinklers are OK for lawns but usually not for watering plants. Bubblers and soaker hoses are also recommended.

Use a Rain gauge. This will make you more aware of actual rainfall in your landscape (not at the airport) and how much you need to water.

Use a Ross Root Feeder. This is an excellent tool to provide water and fertilizer to larger trees and shrubs directly to the root zone-especially during dry periods.

Use a Gator Bag (20 Gal.). Simple, effective tool for slow watering to trees.

Use Organic Matter. Compost, soil conditioners, etc. greatly enhance a soil’s ability to hold water. Probably the most important thing you can do for your soil.

Drought damage is irreversible and many times evidence of drought damage will often not show up until it is too late to do anything about it – sometimes symptoms will not show until the following year – especially with Evergreens.