Proper Watering Techniques for your Trees, Shrubs & Hanging Baskets

As the weather heats up, so does the need to water your plants properly. One of the most common challenges we see in summer is watering that feels frequent but isn’t effective. Here is a simple guide to proper watering techniques for your trees, shrubs, and hanging baskets.

Every summer, we have customers come into the garden centre with crunchy leaves on their trees and shrubs, telling us they have been watering every day. This is where things often go wrong.

Trees and Shrubs

Trees and shrubs do not need a little bit of water every day. In fact, frequent shallow watering can do more harm than good. Established trees and shrubs need a deep, thorough soaking every five to seven days during a heat wave. Newly planted trees and shrubs require more frequent watering, usually every two to three days, until their roots are well established.

Standing over a plant with a hose end sprayer and watering until the soil pools and runs off is not effective. First, it is nearly impossible to water long enough this way to reach the deeper roots. Second, most of the water runs off the surface instead of soaking down where it is actually needed.

The best method is a slow, gentle sprinkler or a soaker hose left in place for about twenty minutes. This mimics natural rainfall and allows the water to penetrate deeply into the soil, encouraging strong, deep root growth.

Hanging Baskets

Extreme heat and wind are the biggest challenges for hanging baskets in summer, and both watering and fertilizing are critical to keeping them looking their best. Baskets in full sun often need to be watered every day and sometimes twice a day during very hot weather. Try to water early in the morning and check them again later in the day.

Baskets and planters in part shade or full shade may need watering every day or every second day. A simple and reliable way to check is to place your hand under the basket. If it feels heavy, it has enough water. If it feels light, it needs watering.

When watering hanging baskets or planters, always give them a long, thorough soak rather than a small amount of water. Water until it runs freely out of the bottom so you know the roots are fully saturated. By June, most of the nutrients originally in the soil are gone, so fertilizing at least once a week is essential. These plants are producing flowers all summer long and need consistent feeding to keep performing well. Choose a fertilizer that contains micronutrients for best results.

Remember, constant shallow watering encourages shallow root growth in all plants, including your lawn. Deep, thoughtful watering leads to healthier, more resilient plants.

- Kelly