by Nadine Champlin, Landscape Designer
Container Trees, Shrubs, Groundcovers, and Perennials
For new landscapes:
- First Week: Every day in extreme heat; every other day in cool weather
- Second Week: Every other day in extreme heat; two waterings a week in cool weather
- Third week: Water weekly unless we have good moisture (one inch or more). Water extra if it is hot and dry.
For all landscapes and containers:
- October thru February: Water every two weeks unless we have good moisture.
- March thru September: Water weekly unless we have good moisture. Water extra if hot & dry.
- Drip irrigation: Run the water for at least 3-4 hours at a time. Always check with your finger around the base of plants before watering. If wet, wait until the top 1″ is dry. Set your kitchen timer so you don’t forget to turn it off! Or better yet add a timer so it automatically turns on and off, great when you are on vacation! Run a total of 6-8 hours a week.
- Hand watering: Soak each plant until water runs away. Let plants dry out between watering. Plants die more frequently from too much water!
Watering: Watering is the key to successful planting. There are a few types of plants that require more water than others. In particular, watch Barberry, Potentilla, Spirea, and container Shade Trees. These plants tend to dry out quickly during hot, dry, windy conditions. Extra water may be required if these conditions prevail. In late fall or early winter the ground may freeze up. At this time, watering should be stopped until the ground thaws out. If it is a dry winter and the ground isn’t frozen, be sure to continue watering, especially the evergreens.
Small plants require about one gallon of water per watering. Larger plants, like five to six feet shade trees will need two to three gallons of water. Larger shade trees, over two inches caliper, need ten gallons of water. Water these trees slowly so that the water soaks in well. Spray down evergreens every 2 weeks in the summer to prevent spider mites.
Mulching & Preventative Maintenance: To further ensure successful plant growth, try mulching newly planted trees and shrubs to cut down on water loss. Using a preventative spray for borers for the first few years on Ash, Birch, Maple and Locust trees reduces the risk of Wood Borers which tend to attack stressed trees. Use a Systemic Insect Drench (Fertilome Tree & Shrub or a product by Bayer) Apply 3 oz. per 1 foot in height in a gallon of water and pour in the ground around the trunk of the tree. One application protects up to 12 months. As with all pesticides, be sure to read the label and follow the instructions. Add tree wrap in the fall and remove in the spring to prevent SW Sunscald.
Place slug bait around hostas to prevent slugs from attacking their beautiful foliage so you may enjoy them at their best all summer long.
Fertilizing: Our planting crews use a slow release fertilizer (Osmocote) at the time of planting. This will maintain your new plants for the first year. After this time, use Ferti-lome Tree and Shrub Food on trees and shrubs and Osmocote for perennials in late fall and early spring to promote good growth. Carefully read and follow the label recommendations. HAPPY PLANTING!
Please call us if you have any questions. We are always happy to offer any assistance.
Grimm’s Gardens Office:785-459-2586
