Spring – Normal rains will take care of most watering needs unless the previous winter was relatively dry. Check soil moisture several times a month through May. Pay particular attention to first-year plants.

Summer – Summer is the most important time to check soil moisture. Check it weekly and water about every two weeks. You may need to water weekly in very hot, dry weather, or if your plants have been newly in stalled. Beware, light summer showers don’t provide enough moisture for newly planted first-year landscape plants. It is important to not spray water over the top of shrubs and trees in the heat of the day, as this will scorch the leaves.

Fall – Some people don’t realize that September and October are important months to keep plants moist. Plants should not go into winter with dry soil or roots, because winter sun and wind are just as hard on plants as summer drought. So if the late summer and early fall have been dry, check the soil for adequate moisture.

Plants located under building overhangs get very little moisture from rain. They must be watered more often by hand or with a soaker hose

Landscapes can never be entirely maintenance free. There are several guidelines that you, as a homeowner, must follow to maintain your newly installed landscape plants. When transplanted, plants undergo stress and transplant shock, especially during summer months. Plants usually produce smaller leaves than normal when under stress. They may even drop their leaves when undergoing shock. Even though this may occur, if the stems are still green when scratched with a fingernail, it is possible for the plant to produce new leaves. To combat this normal stress, it is recommended to keep the root ball thoroughly moist by following the described watering procedures as outlined below. The basic needs of landscape plants (besides light) are water, fertilizer, mulch, and pruning. Some plants will require specific care and we suggest you contact your local garden center for reference material or hire a professional plant care specialist to maintain your landscape. The easiest and most basic care is proper watering.

Water is the most important need of landscape plants. They need about 1″ of water per week or soil moisture to a depth of 8-12″. A lot of water on the surface doesn’t help unless it soaks down to the roots. The Finger Test: Stick your finger through the mulch down into the soil through the root ball about three inches. If the soil feels moist, do not water. If the soils feels dry, water. Plants do not need water on a daily basis, so be careful to not over-water since Ohio’s clay soils tend to hold water.

Watering Methods: Place a slow trickle or a hose at the base of each tree for 30 to 60 minutes, shrubs for 5 to 10 minutes.