Severe hot spells can stress out new plantings.
This could be a hotter than normal summer for Collegeville and surrounding areas.
The 2018 Farmer’s Almanac is predicting this summer will be hotter than normal, with the hottest periods in early June, early July, and early and mid-to late August and rainfall below normal.
Water. Water. Water!
Plants can become easily stressed in hot weather. Moisture not only keeps them growing, but also helps ward off diseases that attack plants weakened by thirst.
Care for Newly Planted Trees and Shrubs
New trees and shrubs will need extra watering until the roots are established. When you water, one slow deep watering is better than wetting the leaves and soil surface quickly.
This may actually do more harm than good. The best thing to do is test the soil around the roots of the plants to see if they need to be watered. You want to avoid over-watering and saturating the soil. The soil should be moist several inches below the surface when you are done. The best time to water is morning.
Understand Your Soil Type
We have mostly clay soil in the Collegeville area. Clay soil typically drains more slowly because of its small particles so adding large quantities of water too frequently is detrimental. Fill the entire root zone with water and then allow the soil to dry out partially before the next watering.
Plants are living and require care. The simplest rule of thumb? If your plants are looking dry, water them.
Hopefully, these tips will help you care for your landscape. Call Whitehouse Landscaping at 484-300-4290 if you have any questions regarding Tree and Shrub Care or the ongoing care of your landscape.