Providing consistent and adequate watering to trees, shrubs, perennials and lawns is very important during the entire growing season.  Whether watering is done manually or by an irrigation system, the application should still be the same. 

If plants have just been installed they will need more watering until they become well rooted which could take up to two growing seasons.  Once established, plants can be weaned to tolerate less frequent watering.  The same holds true for newly seeded or sodded lawns.  New seeds need to be kept moist constantly as to not allow the delicate root system to dry out and have seedlings die.  This usually means watering two or three times daily for fifteen minutes each time.  Sod also needs to be watered a few times a day for the first two weeks until the root system has started to attach itself to the earth below the sod. Then watering can be reduced to once a day.

Trees require the most water and should be soaked thoroughly twice a week if it is being done manually.  With an irrigation system, the use of drip irrigation around the base of each tree is recommended. This is usually done on a daily basis.  Pop up sprinklers will never give you the deep penetration required to maintain good health and vigorous growth.

In many instances shrubs and perennials will be watered by sprinklers on an upright stem or pop up heads.  This is not the best way to water since it can create mildew and fungus disease if the foliage does not dry out at night.  Drip irrigation is the best method since it goes directly to the root system of the plant material and stays off the foliage.  Manual watering of these plants works well if a hose is used and watering is done around the base of all the plants. 

Lawns can tolerate lots of water.  The only time this is a problem is if water sits in an area and cannot drain through the soil.  Pop up heads are recommended for lawns since the sprinklers are hidden in the ground and will elevate only when the system is turned on.  It is very difficult to water by hand since the lawn areas are usually large and would require too much time and effort to water thoroughly. 

Frequency of watering varies according to the time of year.  In late April or early May the irrigation system should be turned on but do not commence watering until mid to late may.  The same holds true for manual watering. The amount of time an irrigation system needs to run will need to be determined by a professional. Over watering can lead to the death of plants just as quickly as under watering.

July and August are the two months that watering is absolutely necessary to keep lawns green and perennials and small shrubs from wilting or browning.  Trees will suffer as well but to a lesser degree unless we are in drought conditions.

During September and October the amount of watering can be lessened since we usually get more rain and the nights are cooler so trees, shrubs, perennials and lawns will not dry out as quickly.