According to the Met Office, this year has been one of the driest on record, with Oxfordshire and Berkshire seeing only five percent or less of the average rainfall for the whole of April. A new garden is an investment for the future, so it’s important to get it off to the best possible start, but one of the most common reasons for newly planted trees and shrubs to fail is lack of water. By making a commitment of time and attention early on, you can ensure the long-term health and quality of your garden.
Now is a very vulnerable time for all plants as it’s a vital time for new growth. As the spring has followed a drier than average winter, you need to water regularly with a hose or sprinkler as well as making sure your irrigation system is ready for use if it has been decommissioned during the winter.
In particular give any large trees and shrubs that were planted in the last 12 months a really good soaking – a bucket full of water every day for the next couple of weeks, until we have some heavy rain. Trees in exposed areas with sandy soil will usually need more watering than those on a sheltered site with clay-based soil. A thick layer (10-15cm deep) of organic mulch around the immediate root area of a newly planted tree will help to retain moisture
Even if you have a drip line irrigation system in place, you should have a sprinkler on your lawn and beds for at least half an hour in each area, every evening.
It’s amazing the difference you will see in the short term from regular watering, as well as the long-term benefits, so don’t wait for the rain – it could be too late.
If you’d like to know more about mains or rainwater fed irrigation systems, please call us on 01491 280447 or email jo@greenart.co.uk
