Water Water Water!!

Though we saw our share of moisture early in the growing season, shrubs, trees, evergreens & perennials are now extremely dry due to a lack of rain. We’ve had several calls and plant samples come in this week indicating wilting, crispy leaves due to lack of moisture.

Although plants have stopped producing top growth, it is crucial to maintain consistent deep root moisture, especially before final frost. LACK OF MOISTURE TO ROOTS IS THE MAIN REASON WINTER DAMAGE TO PLANTS OCCURS.

So, before you put your hose away, you should deep root water all your plants – especially evergreens & birch. Although a slow drip hose works, a more effective, economical method is using a Ross Root feeder. Simply attach the feeder to a hose & push the watering tip up to 2 feet below soil level. If you feel too much resistance, lightly water the area you are watering to ensure the prong moves deeply into the soil. Be sure to water the ‘dripline’ of the tree, and note that mature trees will require you to water up to 3 areas of the drip line for approximately 15 minutes in each spot.