Establishing Plants—Watering:

How can I tell if my plant needs water?
A good guideline for all watering is the "Rule of Thumb" method. Place your thumb, through the mulch and into the soil beside the plant. If the soil feels damp to the touch, no watering is needed. If the soil feels dry, watering is necessary.

What is the best technique for watering?
In a fifteen minute period, water each plant repeatedly, moving from plant to plant, returning to each plant 3-4 times. This process will allow the water to soak and penetrate deep into the soil, mulch and rootball of the plant. An application of a large amount of water all at once will result in water runoff, meaning the water will not penetrate deep into the soil, traveling away from the area you wish to water. The goal is to get the water deep below the soil surface. Applications of water at a moderate rate of flow, with time between visits will help to accomplish this.

How long should I be concerned with watering my plants on a regular basis?
Generally speaking, it takes approximately two full growing seasons for a plant to be relatively self-sufficient in regards to water needs. Therefore, close attention should be paid to the plants water needs until two growing seasons have past.

How often should I water newly installed trees and shrubs?
If the plants are installed in the spring or fall, they should be watered every other day for 2–3 weeks. If the plants are installed in summer, they should be watered every day for 2-3 weeks. After that, it may be possible to decrease the frequency depending upon climate conditions.

How should I water newly installed large trees?
Large trees should be watered with a slow-running hose for 15-20 minutes to allow for deep penetration into the lower soil levels. Move the hose around to ensure that the entire root ball of the tree is getting watered.

How often should I water my perennials and groundcovers?
Because of their shallow root systems, groundcovers and perennials will require more frequent watering than other plants. It is best to water perennials and groundcovers on a daily basis.

How often should I water my transplanted trees and shrubs?
If the plants are installed in the spring or fall, they should be watered every other day for 2-3 weeks. If the plants are installed in summer, they should be watered every day for 2-3 weeks. After that, it may be possible to decrease the frequency depending upon climate conditions.

Do I still need to water my plants if it rains during the day?
It is best not to rely upon Mother Nature to care for the watering of un­established plants. Use the "Rule of Thumb" method to check and see if your plants are still in need of water after a rainfall.

Can I over water my plants?
Yes, it is possible to over water. Be sure to use the "Rule of Thumb" rule to help avoid this mistake.

Establishing Plants—Misc.:

Our new mulch seems to have something growing on or in it, what is it and is it a problem?
Occasionally, a moist, harmless fungus may form atop the layer of mulch. The fungus may be unsightly, but rest assured, it is harmless and will soon dry and dissipate.

Establishing Plants—Winter Protection:

How can I protect my new plants from rabbits and deer in the winter?
Rabbits and deer can be very devastating to plants. When in need they often turn to shrubs and trees for food. Placing ½” hardware cloth around the plants, 1–2’ above the snow line will reduce rabbit damage. Wrapping the crowns of trees and shrubs with netting will help reduce deer damage. This type of protection can be installed on an annual basis.

How should I protect my new trees from deer in the fall?
On an annual basis, wrapping the trunk of trees less than 8 inches in diameter with ½" hardware cloth will help protect the tree from buck rubs. A buck rub is the resulting wound on the trunk of a tree where a buck has scraped the felt off of its antlers. Buck rubbing typically occurs in mid September, so prepare very early in September.

How should I protect my newly installed perennials for the winter?
It is a good idea to cover new perennials with a 2–3 inch layer of covering boughs. This will promote snow insulation and protect the plants from winter winds. Once the perennials are established it is not entirely necessary to cover the plants with boughs. However, the winter covering boughs do provide an attractive look to any landscape.

How should I protect my evergreens for the winter?
Evergreens do not go dormant in the winter, continuing to use and need water. Winter winds can desiccate the needles or foliage of an evergreen, so watering evergreens right up until the ground freezes is the best thing one can do to prepare these plants for winter on an annual basis.