Watering Instructions for New Plantings

Proper watering practices are important in order to protect the investment in your new landscape.  Underhill Landscaping, Inc. will water all plant material at the time of installation if reasonable access to water is provided.  All watering thereafter is the sole responsibility of you.  Underhill Landscaping, Inc. recommends that plant material be watered at a rate and frequency that will insure that the soil surrounding the root ball of the tree/plant/bush remains moist to a depth of six inches.  Common sense, the soil and your hand will let you know if it is too dry or too wet.  New plants will communicate to you when they need water – drooping foliage is a clear indication that a plant is thirsty.  Keep in mind that larger trees, plants and bushes require more water than smaller ones.  Irrigation Systems and Sprinklers are great for your grass and annuals, but not enough for trees, plants and bushes – HAND WATERING IS A MUST!

Seasonal Tips:

• Spring – Since it is not too hot or not too dry, new plants should be watered once a week for about two hours.

• Summer – When it is hot, dry and humid, plants should be watered about twice a week.  Summer watering practices will vary, however, a deep heavy watering or soaking is usually best.

• Fall – Plants can be watered less often because it is not too hot.  Evergreens, however, will need more water in the fall to aid in keeping their foliage over the winter months.  

Apply enough water to moisten the soil to a minimum depth of one inch or more a week for established plantings, and a minimum of two inches for new plantings.  When watering, it is important to water deep and heavy, not sprinkling.  Water preferably in the morning, especially grass.  This enables the plants to better retain water and avoids any diseases overtaking the plants due to the moisture during the night.  In general, water early and water long one to two times a week during the growing season, if Mother Nature does not.