Helpful Hints from Elgin Nursery & Tree Farm
WATERING SCHEDULE FOR NEWLY PLANTED PLANTS
Plant Establishment: on average the root system of a shrub will be well
established after one year, and a tree after three years. New plants need
to be watered more frequently. The schedule below offers guidelines to
help new plants get established.
Weeks 1 & 2 – Water every 1-2 days in summer, every 3-4 days fall through
spring.
Weeks 3 & 4 – Water every 3-4 days in summer, every 6-7 days fall through
spring.
Weeks 5 & 6 – Water every 4-6 days in summer, every 7-10 days fall through
spring.
Weeks 7 & 8 – Water every 7 days in summer, every 10-14 days fall through
spring.
After week 8 – Gradually extend the time between irrigations until plants are
established.
Note:
After the eighth week, move the drip emitters to the outer edge of the root
ball.
**High water use plants will require more frequent irrigations.**
To determine the watering frequency that is best for your landscape, simply
take these variables – plant type and size, soil type, and plant establishment,
into account. Through observation and periodic checks for underwatering and
overwatering, you will get a feel for your plants’ water needs.
The following watering schedule includes guidelines for many types of
established landscape plants. Again, check periodically for plant stress
and adjust irrigation schedules as needed.
LANDSCAPE WATERING GUIDELINES
| Plant
Type |
Spring
(Mar-May) |
Summer
(May-Oct) |
Fall
(Oct-Dec) |
Winter
(Dec-Mar) |
Watering
Depth |
TREES
Desert Adapted |
14-30
days |
7-21
days |
14-30
days |
30-60
days |
24-36
in. |
TREES
High Water Use |
7-12
days |
7-10
days |
7-12
days |
14-30
days |
24-36
in. |
SHRUBS
Desert Adapted |
14-30
days |
7-21
days |
14-30
days |
30-45
days |
18-24
in. |
SHRUBS
High Water Use |
7-10
days |
5-7
days |
7-10
days |
10-14
days |
18-24
in. |
GROUND
COVERS
Desert Adapted |
14-30
days |
7-21
days |
14-30
days |
21-45
days |
8-12
in. |
GROUND
COVERS
High
Water Use |
7-10
days |
2-5
days |
7-10
days |
10-14
days |
8-12
in. |
| CACTI
& SUCCULENTS |
21-45
days |
14-30
days |
21-45
days |
if
needed |
8-12
in. |
| ANNUALS |
3-7
days |
2-5
days |
3-7
days |
5-10
days |
8-12
in. |
| WARM
SEASON GRASS |
4-14
days |
3-6
days |
6-21
days |
15-30
days |
6-10
in. |
| COOL
SEASON GRASS |
3-7
days |
none |
3-10
days |
7-14
days |
6-10
in. |
These guidelines are for established plants (1 yr. for shrubs, 3 yrs. for
trees.) Less water is needed during cool or rainy weather.
Additional water is needed for new plantings or unusually hot, dry weather.
Water to the depth indicated and to the outer edge of the plant’s canopy.
Drip run times are typically 2 hours or more for each watering.
|
