one of the nice things about fall planting is that new trees, shrubs, and perennials generally don't need quite as much water as they would during the heat of summer. the days are getting shorter, temperatures are cooling down, and plants are beginning to slow their growth as they prepare for winter. but even though things are slowing down above ground, there's still plenty happening beneath the soil. roots can continue to grow as long as soil temperatures remain warm enough, making autumn a wonderful time to establish new landscape plantings.
when we're installing new gardens in the fall, one of the most important things we talk about with homeowners is watering. it's easy to assume that because the weather is cooler and plants are beginning to go dormant, they no longer need much attention. while it's true that their water requirements are decreasing, newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials still need consistent moisture to help their roots settle into the surrounding soil before winter arrives. the goal isn't to keep the soil constantly wet, but to provide a good, thorough soaking and then allow it to begin drying out before watering again.
for most new fall landscape plantings, we generally recommend watering about twice a week, depending on rainfall, soil conditions, and the type of plants installed. a slow, thorough soaking is much more beneficial than a quick sprinkle over the surface. we want the moisture to reach the root zone, encouraging roots to grow outward into the surrounding soil rather than remaining close to the surface. heavy clay soils, which are common throughout the western suburbs of chicago, can hold moisture longer than sandy soils, so it's always a good idea to check the soil before adding more water.
as the season progresses and temperatures continue to drop, watering becomes less frequent. we generally recommend continuing until freezing temperatures make it impractical to use garden hoses. once the ground begins to freeze and winter settles in, you're finished watering for the season. it's a nice feeling to know that the garden has been tucked in for winter and that the plants have had a little extra help getting established before the colder months arrive.
when spring rolls around, the watering schedule depends largely on what mother nature has in store for us. some springs bring plenty of steady rainfall, and in those years, you may not need to supplement very much at all. the important thing is to pay attention to the actual moisture in the soil rather than watering simply because it's a particular day of the week. a rainy spring can provide much of what newly planted shrubs and perennials need, while a dry, windy spring can pull moisture out of the soil surprisingly quickly.
newly planted trees deserve a little extra attention because their root systems need time to establish themselves. we generally recommend deep watering once a week during dry periods, placing a garden hose near the base of the tree with the water running at a slow trickle for approximately an hour. this allows moisture to soak down into the root ball and surrounding soil rather than running off the surface. the amount of water needed will vary depending on the size of the tree, soil conditions, and recent rainfall, so the goal is always to thoroughly moisten the root zone without leaving it waterlogged.
if we have a particularly dry spring, it's time to return to a more consistent watering routine. for newly installed landscape beds, that generally means soaking shrubs and perennials about twice a week, along with weekly deep watering for trees. as temperatures rise and summer approaches, watering needs may increase again, especially during stretches of hot, dry weather. checking the soil a few inches below the surface is one of the simplest ways to determine whether it's time to water.
i always remind homeowners that watering is probably the single most important part of getting a new landscape established. we can carefully select beautiful trees, flowering shrubs, native perennials, and ornamental grasses, prepare the planting beds, and install everything properly, but those plants still need a little help during their first growing seasons. consistent, thoughtful watering makes such a difference in how well a garden settles in and begins to thrive.
at rooted outdoor living, we specialize in landscape design, landscape construction, garden installation, tree and shrub planting, and naturalistic landscapes throughout naperville, aurora, plainfield, yorkville, batavia, geneva, glen ellyn, wheaton, downers grove, lisle, and the western suburbs of chicago. whether we're creating an entirely new landscape or adding a few trees and shrubs to an existing garden, we want those plants to be healthy and beautiful for many years to come.
there's something especially satisfying about planting a garden in autumn, knowing that while everything above ground is slowing down, those roots are quietly settling into their new home. a little attention to watering now, a watchful eye on spring rainfall, and some patience as the plants establish themselves can make all the difference. sometimes the best things we do for a garden are the simple things that happen behin