BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES the plants should be established at the most ideal time of year to take advantage of naturally occurring rainfall . To increase water-use efficiency and improve plant establishment in landscaped areas , consider hand-watering individual plants for the first several months of the growing season . When irrigation is needed , plants should be watered in the early morning to conserve water and to avoid water loss due to evaporation . Water new trees and shrubs at least once a week to a depth of one foot and more frequently during dry weather . When using a hose , allow the water to trickle out for at least an hour , and move the hose several times around the base of the tree . Keep trees well watered throughout the entire establishment period ( one year or more depending on the caliper ) with deep , slow watering . Apply at least five gallons when watering from a container , pouring it slowly over the back of a shovel to spread the water . Watering bags are effective tools for applying water slowly .
If trees and shrubs are planted in an area with an existing irrigation system , assess the coverage to determine whether changes should be made to identify areas where efficiency can be improved . Carefully assess landscape watering patterns to minimize spray on impervious surfaces ; blockage of spray by plants or other obstructions ; and runoff on slopes , clay soils or compacted sites . Focus on the irrigation of woody plants at or beyond the dripline to promote extensive rooting . Periodically throughout the growing season , check the performance of the landscape irrigation system .
USE OF MULCH Mulch conserves soil moisture , mitigates temperature extremes , and reduces weed competition . During the growing season , mulch also serves as a visual reminder to keep mowers and string trimmers away from shrub stems and tree trunks . In winter , mulch helps prevent soil cracks from forming and exposing roots to cold temperatures and winter desiccation . Organic mulches include herbicide-free grass clippings ( though avoid applying too deeply to avoid matting and heating the soil ); shredded bark ; bark chunks ; composted sewage sludge ; one-year-old wood chips ; pine needles ; and composted , shredded leaves . Organic mulches are preferred , as non-organic mulches such as stone may add heat stress around annuals and perennials .
sportsfieldmanagementonline . com July 2023 | SportsField Management
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