Summer Watering Tips: A Guide for Lush Landscapes

As the summer heat rolls in, your plants require special attention to thrive. Proper watering is key to maintaining healthy, vibrant greenery in your landscape. Whether you have newly planted seedlings or established perennials, here’s how to keep them happy during the summer months.

Newly Planted Plants

For the first 2-3 weeks after planting, newly introduced greenery needs consistent moisture. Water them daily by thoroughly soaking the soil. This helps the roots establish deeply. In the subsequent 3 weeks, transition to watering every other day. This gradual reduction in watering frequency encourages the roots to reach out and become more resilient.

Why is this important? By providing ample water initially, you assist the plant in establishing a robust root system. As the plant matures, reducing water frequency mimics natural conditions, promoting healthier growth.

Watch out for standing water around the plant, as this can signal overwatering. If the plant starts to wilt, it might be getting too much moisture.

Established Plants (One year and older)

Navigating the unpredictable weather patterns of the Midwest while managing your landscape can be quite a task. One important aspect to consider is the timing of watering. Established plants generally don’t need additional watering unless they show signs of stress, such as leaf curling, after extended periods of moderate or extreme heat without rain.

So, how do you know when to start watering your landscape? When temperatures rise above 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit and the soil begins to dry out, indicating a lack of moisture, these conditions signal to start watering your trees and plants.

For trees, a deep watering session of 20 minutes using a hose is recommended to ensure adequate hydration.

For perennials and shrubs, water with a hose or watering wand for 10 minutes until the ground is drenched, allowing root systems to absorb the moisture. Focus the watering at the soil level to avoid wetting the leaves, which can lead to sunburn.

It is important to monitor the moisture levels of the soil and check the weather forecast regularly. If there hasn't been significant rainfall for a while, it may be necessary to supplement with additional watering.

Watering Pro Tips

1. Mimic nature: To mimic natural rain and ensure even watering, use a Dramm watering wand attached to your hose.

2. Measure rainfall: Purchase a rain gauge to measure the amount of rainfall your landscape receives. This ensures your watering schedule aligns with the needs of your plants and trees.

3. Optimize watering time: Water in the morning to allow plants to absorb moisture before the day heats up. Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day, as it can lead to water loss through evaporation.

4. Conserve resources: Save water and money by using a rain barrel to collect water for your landscape. Mulching around plants helps retain moisture in the soil.

5. Effective lawn care: Water your lawn in the morning for optimal absorption. Avoid watering immediately after mowing to prevent stressing the grass.

Knowing when and how to water your landscape is essential for maintaining healthy and vibrant plants, especially during the hot summer months. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your entire outdoor space flourishes throughout the season while conserving water and resources.