Green Horizons

Q: How much water do your trees and shrubs really need?
A: I recommend about one inch of water per week. When in doubt, feel the soil for moisture one inch below the surface. If it’s dry you’ll need to water. Also, on repeated days of high heat and wind, if you notice your new plantings are wilting, listen to them (they’re telling you that they’re really thirsty) and give them a drink.

Q: How often should they be watered?
A: Generally once a week. Less often in the rainy season, and possibly more often in the dog days of summer.

Q: What are some efficient watering tips?
A: It always helps to place some sort of measuring device near your tree or shrub when you water. It can be as simple as a tin can. I use a rain gauge. Once you know how long it takes your hose to fill the gauge to the one inch level, you can set a timer on your hose so it will turn off at the proper time even if you have to leave.