Stayin’ Alive: Watering Techniques for Thriving Plants Without an Irrigation System

Temperatures will be heating up before you know it. Don’t leave your plants high and dry; give them the TLC they need to thrive. This quick guide breaks down everything you need to know to keep your landscape hydrated and healthy.

Trees and Shrubs

Tree and shrub management will vary depending on variety, age and environmental conditions. Younger ones require more frequent, thorough soaking since their root systems are not as well formed as those of more mature plants. Pay attention to weather forecasts and plan accordingly, since too much moisture is equally harmful as not enough. 

Deep, routine watering is considered best practice. Let a hose trickle slowly around the base of the plant until the top 6-8” of soil is saturated. You can test dryness by sinking a stick into the ground. If it comes out clean, continue wetting. A good rule of thumb is approximately 30 minutes for shrubs and one hour for trees.

Perennials

If they are freshly placed, check your perennials’ soil dampness every other day for the first month. Once rooted, they will benefit from about one inch of water per week. Be careful not to drench the foliage and aim as close to the base as possible. Adding a 2” layer of mulch is highly recommended to help conserve moistness during the scorching summer temperatures.

Groundcovers

Like trees and shrubs, groundcover care depends on plant type, age, and environment. However, once established, most kinds are relatively low maintenance. About one inch of water per week is typically sufficient for optimum growth. With freshly planted groundcovers, we suggest supplying enough to reach a depth of 6-8” every few days. During the initial weeks, more frequent attention may be necessary based on heat and rainfall conditions.

Turf

Your lawn is often the first thing people notice when looking at your home. Sustaining its vibrant green color and plush texture plays a major role in overall curb appeal. Give it about 1-1.5” of water per week to help preserve its beauty. As with any vegetation, both over and under watering can become an issue. Be on the lookout for large puddles or brown cracking turf. While brown grass looks alarming, it can often be easily fixed with proper watering. In many cases, discoloration simply means the lawn has gone dormant rather than dead.

The Golden Rule

For all plants, early morning care helps reduce evaporation during the daytime heat while lowering the risk of disease caused by soggy soil and roots. Don’t let the summer sun get the best of you or your plants. Using proper irrigation techniques, ensures that your landscape will stay lush, healthy and beautiful all season long.