Watering

NEWLY INSTALLED TREES AND MID- TO LARGE-SIZE SHRUBS
Water trees and shrubs with a plain hose or one fitted with a nozzle using a slow trickle. Trees should receive 20-30 minutes of water each, shrubs 5-10 minutes each. (*See note below.) During the spring and fall months, water these plants twice per week. During the summer months, water two to three times per week. Do not rely on a sprinkler, as evaporation and grass or smaller plants on the surface of the soil can prevent the tiny drops of water from reaching the tree and shrub roots that lie deeper down in the ground.

NEWLY INSTALLED ANNUALS, PERENNIALS, SMALL SHRUBS AND GROUND COVERS:
Generally speaking, freshly installed annuals should be watered every day. Your project manager will be able to tell you about the individual watering needs of your perennials, small shrubs and ground covers for both the new-installation period and for long-term care. For these smaller plants, a sprinkler works just fine. Turn the sprinkler on during the day (preferably in the early morning or late afternoon, when the temperature is not at its peak), and let it run for approximately 2 hours. (*See note below.) Please note that a plant's watering needs are affected by weather, sun and soil conditions, as well.

NEWLY SEEDED LAWNS
Grass seeds need to stay moist (but not saturated) to germinate, therefore you will most likely have to water your turf area with a sprinkler twice or more each day for about two or three weeks, depending upon the weather conditions. Once the grass is established, you can gradually wean back the amount of watering you do, but in the beginning it is best to be careful and consistent.

NEWLY SODDED LAWNS
Water the sod immediately after installation, then be sure to soak it two times a day for approximately 2 to 4 weeks, until you can no longer pick up sections of it with your hands. A good soaking gives your lawn about ¼ of an inch of water minimum. Do not let the sod get too dry during the day. You can gradually cut back on the amount of watering you do once the grass has acclimated to your yard, but in the first few months it is important to be consistent and attentive with the sprinkler. And remember, weather conditions will most certainly affect how often and how much you need to water your newly sodded lawn.

*WATERING NOTE: Extreme soil, shade or weather conditions may affect watering requirements. Please check with your project manager about proper watering criteria if any of these conditions exist on your property.