Many areas of Wisconsin are experiencing unusually dry conditions. While lawns may turn brown and recover after rainfall, trees, shrubs, and newly installed landscape plants can suffer lasting damage if they don’t receive enough water.
The most important thing you can do right now is water deeply—not frequently. A slow, thorough soaking encourages roots to grow deeper and helps plants better withstand continued dry weather.
Prioritize watering:
- Newly planted trees (within the last 2–3 years)
- Newly installed shrubs and perennials
- Young landscape plants
- Evergreens, which continue to lose moisture throughout the growing season
Watering tips:
- Water slowly at the base of the plant.
- Deep watering once or twice per week is better than a light sprinkle every day.
- Apply 2–4 inches of mulch around trees and shrubs to help retain moisture, keeping mulch away from the trunk.
- If your leaves are wilting, curling, or dropping early, your plants may already be showing signs of drought stress.
Drought damage isn’t always immediate. Trees weakened this summer may not show serious decline until next year, making proper watering now one of the best investments you can make in your landscape.
If you’re unsure whether your trees and landscape are getting enough water or are showing signs of drought stress, Tim Andrews Horticulturist LLC can evaluate your property and recommend the best course of action to keep your landscape healthy.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Protect your investment by watering now.