Watering Guide for Your Landscape
New plants and grass require extra attention when they are first planted into new ground. However there is not an exact science or schedule to watering plants and grass. Plants need water to grow and thrive but once they are established, those requirements decrease. Plants need water when they are thirsty. It is also better to water deeply less frequently, which helps plants establish deep healthy roots. Below are some watering guidelines to help you maintain your landscape:
New Plants: Water 2 times per day for at least the first week after planting. If they appear to still be dry, feel the soil, if they are indeed dry, water a little more frequently and for a longer period of time. Try not to water in the middle of the day when the sun is hottest unless the plants are VERY dry, and then try to keep the water at the base of the plant away from the foliage (to prevent burning).
If the weather is very hot and dry you may need to continue the frequent watering for two weeks. Usually from Mid July through mid September, frequent watering is necessary. However, once the plant is established, once a day watering should be plenty. Flowers require more water than shrubs in most cases, because their roots are so much shallower. So you may need to water your flowers everyday through the hot summer and the shrubs can be water three times per week with your sprinkler system once they are established.
Transplanted Plants: Transplants really need extra attention. Transplanting success is best in cooler weather. During hot weather, water 2 times per day for at least two weeks and use a root stimulator at least once per week throughout the summer then once a month till the plant is established. Sometimes transplants almost die but do come back the next season. Transplanting is very rough on a plant! The larger and older the plant the more traumatic it is on the plant.
New Sod and Seeded Lawns: New sodded lawns require a lot of water to become established. Water deeply twice per day for 10-days to two weeks then once per day for at least another 10 days, then try to go to every other day with a deep watering. However, if the new sod looks thirsty increase the water.
Seeded lawns need to be water daily for 2 weeks and then at least every other day for another week. Once the new growth is very visible watering can be decreased to every other day and then eventually to three times per week. Use your judgment based on how the grass looks. If the grass looks thirsty, water it. Grass is just like plants, it fades and looses its luster when it is dry, the blades might curl or look wilted and foot prints will remain after having walked on it when it needs to be watered.
If you are interested in our yard services or have questions please don't hesitate to contact us at Poipu Yard Crew. Providing premiere yard maintenance services on the south side of Kauai.