Oftentimes, people overlook watering shrubs and trees in their yard and as a result, shrubs and trees suffer needlessly. Water is an essential component to the health of gardens, grasses, trees, shrubs and bushes. However, knowing when to water shrubs, how much, and by what method is necessary in order to maintain the condition and vitality of them. Here are some tips to keep in mind when getting ready to water your shrubs.
How Much Water?
It’s critical for your shrubs’ health to know how much watering is necessary. Too much or too little water can have equally damaging results. One rule of thumb that many people follow is to simply wait for signs of water stress such as leaves dropping or wilting of the leaves. In addition, shrubs are more susceptible to insect damage and disease if given too much or too little water.
Obviously, too much water can literally drown your shrubs, while too little water can starve them.
One way to determine how much water your shrubs need is to check the moisture level of the soil around the shrub. For example, you can take a metal rod and poke it into the ground around the shrub. Check to see how easily the rod penetrates the soil. If you are having to apply too much pressure to the rod, then chances are the soil is on the dry side.
Another way to see how much water you need is to dig about 8″ deep into the soil and remove a small sample. Then, squeeze the soil in your hand. If it forms a small ball, then the soil is moist and that’s good. If it falls apart, however, you know that your shrubs probably need more water.
The best way to water shrubs is by using the standard garden hose. Place the hose at the base of the shrub for several moments until water has been able to saturate the ground. A soaker hose is also another good way to water shrubs and helps prevent wetting the leaves of the shrub.
Some people will invest in overhead sprinkler irrigation to water their lawns, but this is not necessarily good for your shrubs. Too much water on the leaves can lead to mildew, fungal, and leaf spot diseases.
Best Time to Water
When watering your shrubs, be sure and consider the time. For example watering in the early morning hours is best; however, you can also water your shrubs in the evening to avoid evaporation. Grass, on the other hand should not be watered late at night as doing so can invite fungal disease.
Equally important when considering when to water your shrubs is when you have just planted new shrubs which require water on a regular basis in order to become established and strong. Generally speaking, new shrubs should be watered every day during the first week, then twice a week for the next four-six weeks.
Lastly, think about the condition of your soil. If you have planted shrubs in soil that is not fertilized or contains much organic matter which is important to the shrub’s growth, then more watering is necessary.
