fbpx

Watering Instructions

You've invested a lot in your plants. Proper watering technique is the single most important way to ensure their long term success.

Play Video about Watering Instructions Thumbnail

Many of our customers are overwhelmed by the watering and care for their plants.  Don’t worry – it’s easier than you think!  The watering instructions below will provide the step by step instructions to promote healthy growth for your investment.

Keep in mind, there are many factors that affect watering requirements such as soil type, seasonal weather, and sun exposure. We can’t cover the specific watering needs for every possible condition, so this is a simple guide to form a good foundation. The most important thing is to watch your plants and soil and then adjust watering as needed.

WateringInstructions_Infographic

Trees, Shrubs, and Perennials

New plants (first 2-4 months after planting)

  • Water at least every day in the hot, dry summer and every other day in spring and fall
  • Deep, less frequent watering is typically better than light, frequent watering
  • Plants in full sun or on a steep slope will need more water – keep an eye on these areas

Young Plants (first 1-2 years, depending on root establishment)

  • Water 2-4 times per week, depending on rainfall and temperature
  • Be careful not to overwater during this time

Established Plants (typically after a couple years in the ground)

  • Don’t plan on watering more than 3 times a week, unless there are drought-like conditions
  • Strongly focus on deep, infrequent watering

Keep in mind:

  • Trees and some shrubs are going to take longer to establish a sufficient root system to sustain them through periods of stress. Perennials and small shrubs will typically take to their new soil environment more rapidly.
  • Young plants still need water in the late fall and winter! If there is little rain or snow in the cold months, you need to give young plants at least 1 long watering per week.
  • Many plants can die just as easily from watering too much than watering too little, especially in the spring and fall seasons.
  • When plants are introduced into a new environment, they can often get shocked. This can result in loss of leaves, discoloration, loss of blooms, or even slight loss of stem structure. It’s okay, your plant will be just fine. Plants, as living beings, need to adapt to the environment in order to thrive.

Signs that your plants are being over-watered:

  • Leaves can look yellow or lime green as opposed to dark or vibrant greens
  • fungus in the soil or on the leaves
  • black spots are developing on the leaves or stems
  • the soil around the plant is over-saturated or there is standing water
 

Signs that your plants are being under-watered:

  • leaves look dry and feel crunchy
  • leaves are brown and wilting
  • the soil around the plant is dusty or completely dry to the touch

When in doubt, take a picture of the plant(s) in question and email it to info@elevate-outdoor.com

We’ll help get you on a proper watering schedule with simple, detailed watering instructions!

Lawns & Sod

New Sod/Seed (first 1-2 months after planting)

  • Water at least every day in the hot, dry summer and at least every other day in spring and fall
  • Focus on keeping the soil soggy wet or slightly squishy beneath your feet
  • Deep, less frequent watering is typically better than light, frequent watering
  • Sod or seed in full sun or on a steep slope will need more water – keep an eye on these areas

 

Established Sod/Seed (After initial 1-2 months)

  • Water 2-4 times per week, depending on rainfall and temperature
    Be careful not to overwater during this time – soil can develop fungus
 

Keep in mind:

  • Make sure you water more heavily any sod or seed areas that are adjacent to pavement, siding, or other hard surfaces that might reflect heat
  • Water in the early morning before the sun comes up
  • Sod that is showing areas of browning in the first month or two does not mean that the sod is dead. If you’ve been watering according to the schedule above, the sod could be stressed but is most likely ‘dormant’ and will make a full recovery when roots can establish.