Watering Guidelines

Proper watering is critical to ensure healthy root development and long-term plant success. Always adjust your watering based on weather, soil conditions, and drainage.

Potted Trees & Shrubs

Water thoroughly immediately after planting.
Check soil moisture every 2–3 days (more often during hot or dry weather).
Only water when the soil feels dry about 5 cm (2 inches) below the surface. Avoid overwatering.
Keep soil lightly cultivated to promote oxygen flow to roots and reduce weeds.
Plants in plastic pots dry out faster than those in wire baskets, so they may require more frequent watering.
Newly planted roots take several weeks to expand beyond the original root ball—this area dries out faster and should be monitored closely.
Water slowly and deeply to encourage strong, deep root growth and improve drought tolerance.
Ensure proper drainage—redirect downspouts and avoid excess water accumulation.
Continue consistent care until the plant is fully established and actively growing.

Wire Basket Trees

Water thoroughly at planting to fully saturate the root ball and settle the soil.
Check soil moisture once per week during the growing season.
Keep the area weed-free and lightly cultivate the soil once or twice per month.
Avoid applying mulch during the first year so moisture levels can be easily monitored.

When to Water:

If the top 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) of soil feels dry, water deeply.
Apply water slowly for about 10 minutes or use approximately 75 litres (20 gallons) to ensure full root penetration.

Seasonal Watering:

Summer (June–August): Typically water once per week, depending on heat and drainage.
Cool/Wet Periods: You may skip watering, but continue weekly checks. Rainfall alone is often not enough in the first year.
Fall (September–October): Reduce watering to about twice per month, while continuing to monitor soil moisture.

Important Tips:

Water deeply enough to reach 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) into the root zone.
Avoid watering more than once per week unless conditions are extremely dry.
Both overwatering and underwatering cause similar stress symptoms, so proper monitoring is key.
As a rule: deep, infrequent watering is better than shallow, frequent watering.

Watering Guidelines – New Sod

Proper watering is essential for sod establishment. The goal is to keep the sod and underlying soil consistently moist while encouraging deep root growth. Adjust watering based on weather, soil conditions, and drainage.

New Sod Care

Water immediately after installation, soaking the sod and the soil beneath it.
Keep sod consistently moist for the first 2–3 weeks—do not let it dry out.
Water 1–2 times per day during the first week (early morning and late afternoon in hot weather).
Apply enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of 7–10 cm (3–4 inches).
Avoid puddling or runoff—this indicates overwatering or poor absorption.
Pay extra attention to edges, corners, and areas near pavement, as these dry out faster.

Establishment Phase (Weeks 2–4)

Gradually reduce watering frequency to once per day, then every 2–3 days.
Begin watering deeper and less frequently to encourage root growth.
Check moisture by lifting a corner of the sod—soil should be moist but not soggy.
Avoid heavy foot traffic until the sod is firmly rooted.

After Establishment (4+ Weeks)

Transition to a normal lawn watering schedule:

1–2 times per week, depending on weather
- Water deeply to reach 15–20 cm (6–8 inches) into the soil
- Mow once the sod is well-rooted and has reached typical mowing height

Seasonal Considerations

Hot/Dry Weather: Increase frequency to prevent drying out
Cool or Rainy Conditions: Reduce watering, but continue to monitor soil moisture
Fall Installations: Water less frequently, but do not allow sod to dry out before dormancy

Important Tips

Do not allow sod to dry out during the first 2 weeks—this is critical for survival
Overwatering can lead to shallow roots and disease, while underwatering causes shrinkage and gaps
Proper drainage is essential—standing water can damage new sod
As a rule: keep it consistently moist at first, then transition to deep, infrequent watering