| Natural rainfall is usually not adequate to provide the moisture needs of newly planted landscape plants. The limited root system of container grown or B & B plants makes them highly susceptible to dry weather conditions. Pay close attention to plantings of container plants. The potting media used for container plants dries out much more rapidly than soil. |
| It is normal for a tree in full leaf to lose leaves as a result of transplanting. The severity of leaf drop is dependent on follow up care after planting. Trees transplanted when they are dormant will not show transplant shock as leaf loss, but will not produce a full canopy of leaves the first year, as there are not sufficient roots remaining after transplanting to support a full canopy of leaves. |
| Determine the amount of soil moisture by sampling the soil with a narrow trowel or soil probe at a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Very dry soil wil resist penetration of the rod and indicate the need for watering. Squeeze the soil. If it holds together and is not sticky, soil moisture is adequate. If the soil does not stick together, it is too dry and water is necessary. At each watering, wet the soil thoroughly to the base of the root system. Apply a minimum of one inch of water per square foot per week between rainfall and irrigation. If the temperature is high or the soil is very dry, apply more than one inch per week. |
| Proper watering is the single most important aspect of maintenance of transplanted trees. Too much or too little can result in tree injury. Newly planted trees and shrubs may need to be watered for 2-3 years until their root systems become established. Large spade dug trees may take longer. The root ball can dry out in only a day or two, while surrounding soil remains moist. To water the root ball and surrounding area, let the hose run solwly at the base of the tree or use a root-watering needle under low pressure for 5-10 minutes. |
| Be cautious not to overwater or the amount of oxygen in the soil will be lowered to a level that will damage roots. Make certain the timing patterns of lawn watering systems are not overlapping into plant beds and too much water is being applied to landscape plants. Monitoring the soil for moisture with a soil probe or trowel is recommended. |
| With established trees the top 8-12 inches of soil should be kept evenly moist around trees during periods of drought, at least as far as the dripline. The amount required will depend on the specific conditions for each site, but without adequate rainfall, established trees may have to be watered as often as every 10-14 days. |
| Apply a mulch around newly planted landscape plants to conserve moisture in summer, reduce weed growth, stabilize soil temperature and improve the overall appearance of the site. Apply two inches of one of the bark products, compost, or any number of other products readily available for the purpose. Avoid applying too much mulch, as it could significantly reduce drying and lead to excess wetness in clay loam or poorly drained soils. Reapply or replace mulch annually in autumn, late spring, or both, depending on rate of decomposition. Never allow the much to exceed 3 inches in depth. |
| If hot & dry conditions exist for extended periods of time, follow care instructions. If the leaves wilt, even though instructions are followed, this can be normal. The tree will shed leaves if under too much stress and produce new leaves when conditions are favorable for growth. The symptoms of stress due to over watering are similar to under watering, wilted leaves, but with over watering the tree will not shed the leaves. As the tree declines from over watering, dried leaves will remain on the tree. |
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| Cindy McDonnell © 1999 |
Last updated September 24, 1999 |
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