Fall is upon us, and the past few weeks have been dry for plants due to the lack of rain. Thankfully, we had no hurricanes in our area, but a little rain would have been helpful. So, it is time to water your evergreen living fence! Consistently monitoring your watering is one of the most important things you can do to ensure the success of your living fence. Using a drip irrigation system has many benefits.
The soil is very dry due to the lack of rain. TIME TO WATER!
It is essential that you regularly check the soil moisture content at the base of each tree. When the soil is dry, it’s the time to water. Do not assume that each tree needs the same amount of water. There are many variables which control this. Even if we get some rain, it may not be enough to meet your trees’ needs. If the soil is dry at any tree, it is time to water it.
RAIN IS NOT ENOUGH, AND NEITHER IS WATERING FROM A LAWN SPRINKLER.
You will end up watering just the mulch with a sprinkler, automatic or manual, and the water will not get down to the roots where it is needed. Usually, you will need to water two to three times a week through October. Remember, watering the roots directly and fertilizing them will make a significant difference.
CHECK ANY STAKED TREES.
Rain or severe weather can cause a stake to shift or loosen. If this occurs, realign the stake and lightly tap on top to reset it firmly in the ground. It is also vital that you keep the stake in the position in which it was initially correctly installed. You should remove the stakes and wire after one year.
If you continue to monitor your evergreen living fence and remember the right time to water, they will provide you with many years of privacy for your home or business.
About the Author: Wade Pryor is a professional botanist and the founder of Pryor’s Nursery . Since 1981, he has installed over 82,000 evergreen trees, specializing in “Living Fence” privacy screens across the Mid-Atlantic region. Learn more about Wade’s expertise here.