New Plant Watering & Care Guide

Your new landscape has been thoroughly watered at the time of installation, but consistent watering during the establishment period is essential to the long-term health of your plants.

Water slowly and deeply, allowing moisture to reach the entire root zone. Avoid relying on light rainfall or lawn irrigation alone, as these often do not provide enough water for newly installed plants.

FLOWERING PLANTS, PERENNIALS & SMALL SHRUBS

First 2 Weeks
Water daily or every other day, depending on temperature, rainfall, and soil conditions.
Weeks 3–6
Water approximately 2–3 times per week, allowing the soil to begin drying slightly between watering.
After 6 Weeks
Water deeply approximately once per week as needed through the first growing season. Apply water directly around the base of each plant rather than spraying the foliage. During periods of extreme heat or drought, additional watering may be necessary.

EVERGREENS & LARGE SHRUBS

Evergreens require particular attention because they can continue losing moisture through their foliage even during cooler weather.
First 2 Weeks
Water deeply every 1–2 days.
Weeks 3–8
Water deeply approximately 2 times per week.
Remainder of First Growing Season
Provide a thorough watering approximately once per week when natural rainfall is insufficient. Continue monitoring evergreens into the fall. Plants should enter winter well hydrated, particularly broadleaf evergreens such as boxwood, holly, and rhododendron.

TREES

New trees require slow, deep watering to encourage roots to establish into the surrounding soil.
First 2 Weeks
Water deeply every 1–2 days.
Weeks 3–12
Water approximately 2 times per week.
Remainder of First Year
Water deeply approximately once per week when rainfall is insufficient. Concentrate water around the root ball and surrounding soil. A slow-running hose or watering bag works especially well because it allows water to penetrate deeply rather than running across the surface.

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN TO WATER?

Don’t rely only on a schedule. Check the soil. Push your finger approximately 2–3 inches into the soil near the root zone:

• Dry: It’s time to water.
• Slightly moist: Conditions are ideal.
• Wet or saturated: Wait before watering again.
• Both underwatering and overwatering can damage or kill new plants.
• Soil should remain consistently moist during establishment but should not remain waterlogged.

IMPORTANT WATERING NOTES

Hot or windy weather: Plants may require more frequent watering.
Rain: Light rain may not penetrate deeply enough to water the root ball. Check the soil before skipping a scheduled watering.
Best time to water: Morning is ideal. Watering during the hottest portion of the day increases evaporation.
Irrigation systems: Lawn sprinklers are generally designed for turf and should not automatically be considered sufficient for newly installed trees and shrubs.
Fall installations: Continue watering until the ground begins to freeze. Roots continue establishing even after top growth slows.

NEW PLANT RESPONSIBILITY

Doskoch Landscaping thoroughly waters all plant material at installation. Continued watering after installation is the responsibility of the property owner. Newly installed plants require consistent care while establishing, and watering frequency should always be adjusted for weather, rainfall, soil conditions, and the individual needs of the plant.