Watering Tips
Watering Tips in Maryland
A Maryland Landscaper
NEWLY SEEDED LAWN
(seed through germination)
A new seedbed must be kept moist from time of installation until seed germination. This can be accomplished by frequent light watering. This procedure should be followed as often as necessary to prevent the seedbed from drying out. If drying occurs, seedlings could be lost. Most seeds take 7-21 days to germinate. The frequency of watering will be governed by cloud cover, temperatures, soil, wind, and amount of rainfall.
LAWNS
(seedlings, sod and mature lawns)
When seedlings have reached about a 3-4” in height (Time to start Mowing) it is important to establish a deep root system. To accomplish this, water once a week for a total of one hour (ten-minutes watering and ten-minute break intervals to allow water to soak into the soil). This will amount to approximately one inch of rainfall; continue for an entire season during hot and or dry periods to ensure the establishment of a strong deep root system. Keep in mind, wetting the soil deeply encourages roots to grow deeply whereas frequent light watering encourages shallow rooting making the lawn susceptible to drought and disease.
Warning: Over watering can and will damage and or kill established turf. It is important for the turf and soil to dry out a little between watering. Constantly saturated grass blades and soil will eliminate oxygen in the soil and cause disease.
TREES, SHRUBS, AND GROUND COVER
Newly installed trees, shrubs, and ground cover; as well as transplants; need approximately 1 inch of rainfall per week during the growing season. There is no set-watering plan, as soil and environmental factors differ greatly from area to area. Wetting the soil 6-12” deep encourages roots to grow deeply. Allowing the soil and roots to slightly dry out between watering’s encourages the roots to reach out, seeking water on their own. Plants that are watered deeply but infrequently will have vigorous, strong roots while plants that are watered lightly and often have shallow, weak roots.
Trees, shrubs, Perennials, Groundcover and (Annuals planted in the ground) will require water 1 to 3 times a week depending on temperature, amounts of sunlight, shade, wind, rainfall, and soil type. Each watering should be a total of one hour (ten-minutes watering and ten-minute break intervals to allow water to soak into the soil).
Note: Potted plants must be watered Daily, possibly twice Daily on South and West Exposures.
New plants must be watered through the first growing season. We recommend watering through the second season as it takes most plants 2-3 growing seasons to completely establish and not require supplemental watering.
Warning: Over watering can and will damage and or kill Trees, shrubs, Perennials, Groundcover and Annuals. It is important for the soil to dry out a little between watering. Constantly saturated soil will eliminate oxygen in the soil cause plants to yellow and die.
PERENNIALS, ANNUALS, AND BULBS
To keep your garden blooming and looking its best, all flowers should be watered throughout the season unless there is adequate rainfall. Water during the early morning hours or later afternoon; do not allow foliage to go into the evening wet as this will invite disease and mildew.
TDH offers watering services
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
Warranty Reminder for TDH Plantings:
Owner shall be responsible for providing the following maintenance: (I) Water all plants (accomplished by thoroughly wetting the root-mass every 7-10 days during the growing season and during the summer months, or the warranty will be voided. [II] Irrigate every 2 to 3 days with a minimum of one hour of watering per each day of irrigation or the warranty will be voided. [III]Over-watering the plants can and will also void the warranty for replacement. (IV) Cultivate soil to keep plants free of weeds, insects, and disease.
Contractor shall be responsible for ONE replacement per plant under the warranty provided.