Tips on Watering Your New Plants, Trees, & Shrubs

Watering cans are great for supplemental watering, however for larger plants and getting things established, use a garden hose.

Water deeply when you first plant your tree or shrub. This means running a garden hose on/off, allowing the water to visibly soak into the ground 15-20 times. This ensures remaining air pockets from planting fill with soil. Remember - when water is running off away from the root zone and planting area, you are not watering the plant. After this first soaking, follow this schedule:

First Week: Water every day. One time watering, soaking a few repetitions.

Second Week: Start backing off to every other day.

Third Week: Water twice a week.

Fourth Week Onwards: Water once a week during the growing season. Trees & shrubs typically need an inch of water a week. That means either by nature or supplemented by you. Use a rain gauge to know how much water you have received in your yard. (You can make one using a straight sided jar and measure an inch up from the bottom).

Late Fall/Winter: Pull back from watering in November - February unless abnormally dry. Winter is usually wet and mild in Middle Tennessee and plants are not actively growing, therefore they don't need as much water. This is especially true for grasses and plants that prefer well draining conditions.

NOTE: in HOT weather above 85°, water every other day. Newly planted trees and shrubs need supplemental watering for the first year or two of their lives.

A good ball-park amount would equal the size of the nursery pot/container. For example, a 5 gallon container tree or shrub would need 5 gallons of water. Alternatively, place your hose, with the water set at a trickle, at the base of the plant and let it sit there for 20 to 30 minutes.

Bigger trees would need 30 to 45 minutes of water. Keep in mind you are trying to get the water down to the root system.

Annuals & Perennials: These plants are much more shallow rooted and will dry out faster hence they may need more frequent watering (mulch significantly helps retain moisture). Also, containers with annuals or perennials are in need of monitoring closely. Depending on where the container is located in your landscape, it may need to be watered daily or even twice a day in the hot weather. Especially hanging baskets! Don’t be fooled by rain! Your containers may not have received the amount of water you think. Always check after it rains to see if your soil in the container actually received enough water. (should be damp when you put your finger down 2-3 inches).

Evergreens: Evergreens do not like to sit wet, they need to go dry between waterings. Established evergreens should need little water. Evergreens in containers need more water.

Wilting and Flagging: Wilting is a sign a plant is in extreme need of water. Hydrangeas are a classic example. Do not wait, get water to them immediately. Flagging is when a tree or evergreen suddenly browns on a branch or two, browning at the tips is also a sign that an evergreen needs water.

Rootbound Plants: The roots of container plants will grow, taking up more space and leaving less room for dirt in the pot. Dirt is what retains moisture for the plant to absorb, so the more roots that are in the pot, the more you will have to water. This is why every few years it is recommended to trim back the roots, increase container size, OR in the case of containerized hardy shrubs and trees, plant them out in the yard. If you are having to water frequently and seem to be struggling with poor performance and wilting, this could be an issue.

Like all new things, time and experience will help make watering easier and familiar. Almost like second nature. We trust this guide gives you the proper understanding of the water needs for plants in your landscape.