water is the key

There is nothing more important to freshly installed plants than water. Over 80% of plants that fail, do so because of improper watering habits.

We want plants to “establish” themselves in our gardens and planter pots. This means developing a healthy root system which is essential for the plant to not only survive but thrive. Roots control the plants growth and long-term health. Water is the key to developing this system. Especially for trees and shrubs in your garden, consistent water is essential during the first two years of its life. As trees mature and their roots reach deep into the ground, they are able to search out their own water sources.

Newly planted shrubs, trees and perennials will require supplemental watering throughout the first season regardless of their “drought tolerance”. Our region is simply too dry and arid to rely on plants getting enough water from rain. Plan to water newly installed plants several times a week. They need a gentle deep soak all around the root ball. It’s better to water thoroughly less often than lightly every day. Allow the soil to dry out, replenishing the oxygen in the soil, before the next soaking. The best time to water plants in morning. This allows the plant to absorb the water and dry back out.

How much do they need? Shrubs will need 2-4 gallons of water each time they are watered, depending on size. A new tree will need 5-10 gallons. Water every other day for the first month and then scale back to twice a week. Come Fall, water once a week until the ground freezes. Over Winter, practice good winter watering habits by watering your new trees/shrubs when the weather pops up about 50 degrees F for more than a couple days. Come Spring, wake your garden up with a deep soaking.

Watering is the make it or break it factor when it comes to tree survival in SW South Dakota.