Deep Soak Your New Trees & Shrubs

If you have new trees or shrubs you will want to “deep soak” them weekly. This is particularly important in the hot weather we are currently experiencing. It is recommended to water newly planted trees and shrubs deeply at least once a week, especially during hot and dry periods. This practice helps the plants develop a strong foundation, making them more resilient to drought conditions in the future. This should continue for at least the first 2 or 3 growing seasons. Do not rely on a drip or sprinkler system to provide enough water in those first critical years.

Why:

Deep soaking is essential for promoting healthy root development in plants. By thoroughly watering your plants, you encourage the roots to grow deeper into the soil in search of moisture. This helps plants become more drought-resistant and better able to withstand hot and dry conditions. Deep soaking also helps to leach salts away from the root zone, preventing damage to the plant. Additionally, watering deeply encourages the roots to spread out, creating a stronger and more stable root system. Overall, deep soaking is a critical practice to ensure the long-term health and vitality of your plants in the garden or nursery.

How:

Place the hose under the canopy of the tree or shrub and run at a slow trickle for 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the root ball. The top 6-9 inches of soil should be wet. In the long run this makes your plant healthier and they will require less water later as a deeper root system is established.

When you plant a new tree or shrub:

Week 1 & 2

Water deeply every day.

Week 3 & 4

Your plants roots are now growing, let the soil dry out and water every other day

After week 4

Water deeply 2 x per week in the first season. Monitor to see the the soil is damp one inch down, if not, water. If it is moist back off watering a little bit.