Watering determines whether new plantings and grass survive. Here is the watering need (evaporation against rainfall), establishment watering, drip watering and automatic systems with solenoid valves and controls — plus water conservation and rainwater reuse.
Introduction
Water is the most common cause of new plantings and grass failing — either too little during establishment or unevenly distributed. A landscape gardener must be able to assess irrigation needs, water new plantings effectively, and install and maintain irrigation systems that provide water where and when it does good, without waste.
Watering need — evaporation vs. rainfall
The need is the difference between how much water plants and soil lose through evaporation (evaporation from soil + plant transpiration) and how much the rainfall provides. In summer, evaporation often exceeds rainfall, creating a deficit that must be made up by watering. Soil type matters greatly: sandy soil dries out quickly and needs more frequent watering, while clay soil retains water (see 'Topsoil and growing medium' and 'Soil science').
Initial watering
Newly planted trees, shrubs and laid turf do not yet have enough roots to sustain themselves, so the first period is critical. The basic rule is to water deeply and infrequently rather than little and often, so water reaches the roots and pulls them downward — frequent, shallow watering produces weak, shallow-rooted plants.
- 01Newly planted trees/shrubs: water thoroughly at planting and keep the root ball moist through the first growing season (longer in dry periods) — quantity and frequency according to weather and soil.
- 02Turf: water heavily immediately after laying and keep the soil moist daily for the first few weeks until the grass has rooted firmly.
- 03Newly sown grass: keep the surface evenly moist during germination (typically 3–4 weeks) — if the seed dries out, the sprout dies.
- 04Mulch layer (bark, chips) around plants reduces evaporation and watering needs.
Watering methods
| Method | Suitable for | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Hand watering (hose/can) | New plantings, pots, small beds | Flexible, but labour-intensive and slightly uneven |
| Spreaders (pop-up/sector spreader) | Lawns and large areas | Spillage from wind and evaporation — water morning/evening |
| Drip watering / drip hose | Flower beds, hedges, trees | Low consumption, water at the root, little evaporation |
| Perle-/svedeslange | Rows and hedges | Dispenses water evenly along the hose |
| Automatic irrigation system | Larger systems, sports lawns | Solenoid valves + control; requires engineering |
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