There’s something so exciting about planting a new tree or shrub.
Maybe you’ve just finished a landscape project, found the perfect Japanese maple for your front yard, or spent the weekend refreshing your garden beds. You can already picture what your landscape will look like in a few years.
Then comes the question we hear almost every day at Root’s Nurseries:
“How much should I water it?”
It’s a great question, and one of the most important ones you can ask. Since 1895, we’ve helped homeowners throughout Lancaster County and beyond choose, plant, and care for trees, shrubs, and landscapes that are built to last. If there’s one thing we’ve learned over five generations, it’s that proper watering during the first few years is one of the biggest factors in whether a plant simply survives or truly thrives.
Watering isn’t complicated once you know what your plants need. Learn more as we dive into how often to water, how much water to apply, how to tell when your plants need more (or less), and the common mistakes to avoid.
Why Proper Watering Matters
When a tree or shrub is first planted, most of its roots are still contained within the original root ball. It takes time for those roots to spread into the surrounding soil and become established.
During that establishment period, your plants rely on you to provide consistent moisture. Too little water can stress the plant and slow root growth. Too much water can be just as harmful because saturated soil limits the oxygen roots need to stay healthy.
Your goal should always be to keep it consistently moist while encouraging roots to grow deeper and stronger.
Before We Talk About Watering Schedules…
One of the biggest misconceptions is that every tree should be watered on the same schedule.
In reality, there isn’t a universal schedule that works for all trees.
A newly planted shrub in full afternoon sun may need more frequent watering than one planted in partial shade. Sandy soil dries out faster than heavier clay soils. Hot, windy July weather is very different from a cool, rainy week in May.
That’s why we encourage homeowners to think of watering as a routine you adjust based on conditions and not as a strict calendar.
As you read through the recommendations below, remember to account for:
- Recent rainfall
- Temperature and humidity
- Windy conditions
- Sun exposure
- Soil type
- Slope and drainage
Checking soil moisture before watering is always more valuable than watering simply because it’s Tuesday.
How Often Should You Water Newly Planted Trees and Shrubs?
During the first growing season, we generally recommend watering two to three times each week for most newly planted shrubs and container-grown trees. Larger balled-and-burlapped trees typically need deep watering twice each week, with adjustments made for weather conditions and rainfall.
Remember, deep watering is much better than frequent light watering.
A sprinkler running for a few minutes every day usually wets only the surface. Your goal is to soak the entire root zone so moisture reaches the roots where it’s needed most.
How Much Water Does Your Plant Need?
This is where many online watering guides stop. They’ll tell you to “water deeply,” but they don’t tell you what that actually means.
At Root’s, we’ve developed practical watering recommendations based on the size of the plants we install and sell every day.
Newly Planted Shrubs & Container-Grown Trees
| Plant Size | Water Per Watering | Frequency |
| #1–#2 container | 1–2 gallons | 2–3 times per week |
| #3–#5 container | 2–3 gallons | 2–3 times per week |
| #7–#10 container | 3–5 gallons | 2–3 times per week |
| Large shrubs/small trees (3–8 ft.) | 5–8 gallons | 2–3 times per week |
Balled & Burlapped Trees
| Tree Height | Water Per Watering | Frequency |
| 4–5 ft. | 5–7 gallons | Twice per week |
| 5–6 ft. | 7–10 gallons | Twice per week |
| 6–7 ft. | 10–12 gallons | Twice per week |
| 8–10 ft. | 15–20 gallons | Twice per week |
| 10–12 ft. | 20–25 gallons | Twice per week |
| 12–14 ft. | 25–30 gallons | Twice per week |
These recommendations provide a starting point. During periods of extreme heat or extended dry weather, you may need to increase watering. Likewise, after significant rainfall, you can often reduce it.
How Do You Know If Your Plants Actually Need Water?
Rather than guessing, let the soil tell you.
For shrubs and smaller trees, dig down about two inches near the root ball.
- Dry soil means it’s time to water.
- Moist soil means conditions are just about right.
- Soggy or muddy soil means hold off and check again later.
For larger trees, a simple metal rod or piece of rebar works surprisingly well. Push it six to twelve inches into the soil near the edge of the root ball.
If the rod comes out with dry, dusty soil, it’s time to water. If the soil is lightly moist, you’re in good shape. If it’s muddy, the tree has enough water for now.
Measuring Water with a Garden Hose
“How do I know when I’ve given a tree 10 gallons?”
An easy trick is to use a five-gallon bucket. Fill the bucket using the same hose setting you normally water with and time how long it takes.
For example, if your bucket fills in two minutes, your hose is delivering about 2.5 gallons per minute. That means watering for four minutes gives your tree roughly 10 gallons.
Keep the hose on a slow trickle so the water has time to soak into the root ball instead of running across the surface.
Common Watering Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced gardeners can accidentally create problems. Here are a few mistakes we see most often:
- Watering a Little Every Day
Short, shallow watering encourages shallow roots. Less frequent, deeper watering produces stronger, healthier root systems.
- Watering Too Quickly
If water is running away from the planting hole, it’s moving faster than the soil can absorb it. Slow the flow and let the water soak in gradually.
- Forgetting About Rainfall
Not every watering day needs watering. After a soaking rain, check the soil before reaching for the hose.
- Watering the Leaves Instead of the Roots
Roots absorb water, not leaves. Direct water toward the root zone and avoid wetting foliage whenever possible, which can encourage fungal problems.
- Mulching Against the Trunk
A layer of mulch helps retain moisture, but keep it a few inches away from the trunk. We like to say, mulch like a donut, not a volcano.
Watering During Lancaster County Summers
Pennsylvania summers can bring stretches of hot, humid weather followed by heavy thunderstorms. That’s why we always recommend adjusting your watering based on what your landscape is actually experiencing.
During hot, dry, or windy weather, check soil moisture more often and be prepared to water a little more frequently. After several inches of rain, your plants may not need supplemental watering for several days.
Whenever possible, water early in the morning or later in the evening to reduce evaporation.
Don’t Stop Watering After the First Year
One of the biggest surprises for many homeowners is that newly planted trees aren’t fully established after one growing season.
During years two and three, continue checking soil moisture during dry periods and provide deep watering whenever the soil begins drying below the surface. Larger trees often benefit from supplemental watering even longer, especially during drought conditions or unusually hot summers.
The extra effort now helps build a stronger, healthier root system that will support your landscape for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you overwater a newly planted tree?
Yes. Roots need oxygen as much as they need water. Constantly saturated soil can stress or damage the root system, which is why checking soil moisture before watering is so important.
Is rain enough?
Sometimes. A slow, soaking rain can provide plenty of moisture, while a brief summer shower may barely wet the surface. Rather than relying on the weather forecast, check the soil around the root ball before deciding whether additional watering is needed.
Should I water every day?
Usually not. Deep watering a few times each week is generally much more effective than watering lightly every day for newly planted trees and shrubs.
When is the best time of day to water?
Early morning is ideal because more water reaches the roots before it evaporates. Evening is also a good option if mornings aren’t practical.
Growing Strong Landscapes Starts with the Right Care
For more than 130 years, Root’s Nurseries has helped families across Lancaster County create landscapes they’ll enjoy for generations. Planting is only the first step. Giving new trees and shrubs the right care during those first few years helps them develop into healthy, beautiful additions to your property.
If you’re ever unsure how much to water, have questions about a new planting, or want advice that’s specific to your landscape, stop by the nursery or reach out to our team. We’re always happy to help.
