Watering Instructions and Tips

• Check the soil moisture 3 to 4 inches down (below mulch and into the soil). If the soil at that level is moist, no watering is needed. If dry, water the plant long enough so that the entire root ball of the plant is saturated, usually 1 to 3 gallons, depending upon the size of the shrub or tree. In sunny locations during hot weather, you may need to check moisture levels 2 or 3 times per week.

• Allow the rootball / root zone to dry out between waterings, but not for a prolonged period of time (more than 2 days). During warmer weather, newly planted trees and shrubs may need watering 3 or perhaps 4 times per week given our current drought.

• Watering in the mornings is preferred. Water around the base of the plant, under the leaves.

• Perennials tend to root in quickly and may not need supplemental watering more than 2 or 3 times.

• Rainfall equal to 1/2 inch is usually enough to water plants one time. However, if the plants are located under roof eaves or heavy tree cover, supplemental water may be needed in addition to rainfall.

• Please note that soil conditions and weather are large variables in determining the water needs for each plant, therefore there is no single watering instruction that is applicable for every plant.

A Note About Mophead Hydrangeas and Sun Coleus
On hot sunny days, the foliage of these plants may droop. This is the plant's way of conserving moisture and is normal. The foliage often recovers when temps cool off in the evenings. If the foliage is still drooping the next morning, then water deeply at the base of the plant.