Watering Tips

By: Franz Witte  Franz Witte

​How to Water
 
Deep water in the early morning when the air is cool. Deep watering allows water soak into the ground through the soil profile where roots reside. Keep in mind that Idaho has lots of clay in its soil profile. Clay soils are slow to absorb and give up water, meaning this type of soil can stay wet for a long period of time, but it also takes a long time for water to move down into the roots.
 
Newly planted trees and shrubs need consistent and frequent water. 

• Temperature, wind, soil type, grade, humidity, plant type, and plant age all contribute to watering needs. 
• General rule of thumb:
  • 1-2 weeks after planting: Water daily 
  • 3-12 weeks after planting: Water every 2 to 3 days 
  • After 12 weeks: Water once a week until plant is established 
• Apply water directly over the root ball.
• The first 2-3 months after your plants have been installed are the most critical.
• Until they establish, new plants get all their moisture from a very small number of roots.
• Check soil moisture in the root ball and the immediate surrounding area.
• Soil probes are great tools used to measure how much water is in the soil.
• You can also touch the soil with your hand by digging close to the root ball--at least 6 inches deep.
• Gather a handful of soil and squeeze. If the soil forms a loose ball in your hand, the plant is adequately watered. If the soil falls with no shape and lots of fine dust particles disperse, then it is time to water. 

 
How Much Water?
 

• Water enough to saturate the entire root zone and surrounding soil to promote root development
• Creating a basin around the root ball of your plant makes a reservoir. Use a slow trickle of water to fill the reservoir. This promotes slow and deep watering which allows the water to infiltrate the entire root ball.
• As root systems establish and develop while the plant matures, watering becomes less critical. 
• Watering will always be the most important aspect of care. 

 
Mulch
A 2-3” layer of mulch conserves soil moisture and prevents evaporation on hot days. Mulch also limits temperature fluctuations in the soil. When Idaho hits those hundred-degree temperatures, the last thing you want is to leave your plants ill prepared for survival. Take the extra step to spread a layer of bark mulch in your garden beds, it’s not only worth the aid in water retention, but it gives the landscape a nice facelift.