Watering Guide for Landscape Plants in South Jersey
Practical watering guidance based on what works in the field
Proper watering is one of the most important factors in plant success. In South Jersey, sandy soils and coastal conditions make it even more critical. Whether you’re installing trees, evergreens, or container material, getting water to the root ball correctly makes the difference between material that establishes and material that struggles.
Contractors can check plant availability or send a plant list to get started.
Why Proper Watering Matters
Newly planted trees rely entirely on the root ball for moisture.
• Roots do not extend beyond the root ball at planting
• Surrounding soil can pull moisture away if it’s dry
• Nearby plants and turf compete for water
Without consistent watering early on, even healthy material can decline—especially during summer conditions.
How Much Water Does a B&B Tree Need?
At planting, a simple rule of thumb:
2–3 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter
Example:
• A 2" caliper tree should receive 4–6 gallons immediately after planting
• In many cases, starting with ~30 gallons of water helps fully saturate the root ball and surrounding soil.
This applies across most tree sizes—what changes is how often you need to repeat watering based on conditions.
If you’re planning a project, you can send over your plant list and we’ll help confirm availability.
Seasonal Watering Guidelines
Adjust watering based on time of year:
• January–March, November–December: Water once per week
• April, May, October: Water twice per week
• June–September: Water every other day (adjust based on heat, rainfall, and soil conditions)
In sandy South Jersey soils, water drains quickly—monitor more frequently during heat or dry conditions.
How to Water Properly
Watering method matters just as much as frequency.
• Use a slow trickle hose for 1–2 hours, moving around the root zone
• Or slowly apply water with a bucket at the base
• Watering bags can help maintain consistent moisture
Always water low and slow—this is one of the most important factors in successful establishment.
This allows water to:
• Fully saturate the root ball
• Move deeper into the soil
• Encourage strong root development
Avoid shallow watering—it leads to weak, surface-level roots. If water isn’t reaching below the surface, the tree isn’t getting what it needs.
Watering Crape Myrtles
This is one of the most common questions we get—especially during summer installs.
Newly planted crape myrtles should be watered deeply and consistently, especially during the first growing seasons.
Apply 15–25 gallons per week during the growing season (increase during hot or dry periods)
Crape myrtles:
• Do not tolerate overwatering early on
• Need consistent moisture during establishment
• Become more drought-tolerant once established
Watering Evergreens (B&B or Dug Material)
Evergreens require consistent moisture early on.
Keep the root ball moist at all times
• Water every 2–3 days initially, then adjust
• Monitor during windy or dry conditions
Evergreens can decline quickly if they dry out—even when temperatures are mild.
Evergreens don’t show stress right away—by the time they discolor, it’s often too late.
Watering Container Plants
Container-grown material dries out faster than field-grown stock.
• Check daily in warmer weather
• Water thoroughly until the entire root ball is saturated
• Ensure proper drainage
Avoid letting containers sit in standing water.
Containers dry out faster because the root system is above ground and exposed to heat and airflow.
South Jersey Considerations
In South Jersey:
• Sandy soil drains quickly
• Moisture does not hold as long
• Wind and sun exposure can accelerate drying
Always adjust watering based on:
• Rainfall
• Soil conditions
• Site exposure