Water your newly planted tree or shrub by using a slow, deep watering method. B&B and container plant roots dry out faster than the soil around them, so it is important to monitor their soil moisture.
Slow and Low:
- Water slowly to attain deep water penetration which encourages widespread root development.
- Using a Soaker hose or Gator Bag helps accomplish this and reduces water runoff. Not accounting for rain, you will need to water once every 2-3 days during the first month or two depending on season planted.
- Taper the watering to every 7-10 days to force the plant to seek water. During hot, dry periods you may need to increase frequency. (Newly planted trees and shrubs need about 1” of water a week for the first growing season.)
- We highly recommend using Root Master B1 every watering for the first month. B1 stimulates rapid white hair root growth (the roots that absorb water).
General Watering guidelines:
- 1 gal. Pot – trickle water for approx. 15-20 minutes
- 2 gal. Pot – trickle water for approx 30-40 minutes
- 3 gal. Pot – trickle water for approx 40-50 minutes
- 4 gal. To 7 gal. – trickle water for approx 60 minutes
- B&B – trickle water for 60-70 minutes
Remember, if it rains for 1 hour, it probably was not enough water for a newly planted shrub or tree.