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Watering Instructions for newly planted Trees & Shrubs in Colorado

Tree Planting Service Denver

Newly planted trees and shrubs require special attention after planting and through the first two years, especially in our hot and dry climate in Colorado.

*A standard irrigation system will not provide adequate water, making supplemental watering essential.*

Mountain High Tree Lawn & Landscape  will water in your new trees and shrubs on the day they are planted and on subsequent days when necessary for the duration of your project. Closely monitor your new plants and look for anything unusual in appearance including wilting leaves, drooping branches, or discoloration.

Tree Planting Service Denver*If you do notice anything unusual, contact your sales representative immediately. Waiting to contact your sales representative until after the plant dies can void your warranty!*

After the project is completed, we recommend you take the following action:

Watering New Trees:

  • For the first 6 to 8 weeks, water the tree once per week by either filling up the well and allowing the water to saturate into the ground, or keeping the hose on a slow trickle for roughly 30 minutes. In excessively warm temperatures, water twice per week.
  • After the first eight 8 weeks and until the end of the growing season, water the tree once or twice per month by either filling up the well twice or keeping the hose on a slow trickle for roughly 1 hour.

Watering New Shrubs
(assuming there is an automatic irrigation system set to a proper watering schedule):

  • For the first 3 to 4 weeks, water the shrub gently from above (a watering wand or hose nozzle with a shower’ setting is recommended) for 2-3 minutes until the area under the shrub is saturated.
  • After the first month through the end of the growing season, check the soil periodically and water in the same manner as necessary.

Too much water deprives the root system of oxygen and can be just as harmful as not enough water, so be careful not to over-water. As a general guideline, dig down around the ball of the tree or shrub and check the soil about 4-6” down. If you find the soil is too dry to form a ball when squeezed, it needs to be watered. With practice, you will learn to anticipate when your new trees and shrubs need water.

*Don’t forget to mist the leaves or needles of your new trees periodically. They will also take in moisture, especially when hot and dry conditions exist.*