Summer Watering Guide: Newly Planted Trees and Shrubs in the Southeast 

Summer in the Southeast brings vibrant landscapes to life, but scorching temperatures and potential droughts threaten to snuff out newly planted trees and shrubs. This puts pressure on professionals like you to balance stunning landscape designs with the delicate task of keeping plants healthy during the hottest months.

MNI Direct understands the tough spot this puts you in. We're not just a supplier of high-quality plant materials specifically chosen for the Southeast climate. We're also your partner in landscaping success. 

So, we put together a quick watering strategy guide for summer tree and shrub installations to keep your clients' landscapes flourishing — starting with a triple threat.

Understanding the Southeast Climate

The triple H’s describe Southeast summers.

Hot, humid, and harsh especially on plants. Temperatures during the five-month summer range from the high 80s to the high 90s, occasionally hitting 100 degrees! The dew point ranges from the low to mid-70s, which can stress new plants. Luckily, afternoon thunderstorms are common in the Southeast, delivering relief via rainfall. 

During droughts, that rainfall often isn’t enough to sustain new tree and shrub installations. The rain can quickly evaporate when temps hit high points. Extra care and caution is a must to keep your clients’ new plants alive and well. 

Summer installs are a different ball game than fall installs because: 

• Pests are more active in summer

• Heat is hard on root systems

• Fall usually sees more rain

• Extreme heat plus dry conditions cause heat stress in summer

• Roots have time to strengthen during mild fall weather

• Watering mistakes (examples upcoming) are common when it’s hottest

Watering Tips for Different Types of Plantings

New Plantings: Water every seven to ten days during the first two growing seasons when rain isn’t sufficient. Trees and shrubs need about one inch of water per week (irrigation plus rainfall). Slow, deep watering in the cooler morning time reduces evaporation and encourages new roots to grow deeper. 

Transplants: More care is needed with these plants. Water immediately after installing and monitor closely for two weeks to avoid transplant shock. Wilting or leaf scorch are signs of shock. Don’t fertilize until new growth sprouts and prune only dead branches. Water 3x weekly in month one, 2x weekly in month two, and 1x weekly in month three. Monitor the soil for the first two years to keep moisture levels ideal.

Large Trees: More water and slower watering are needed for a multitude of thirsty leaves and longer roots. Large trees require watering every seven to ten days at about 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter (a 5-inch-diameter tree would need 50 gallons of water at each watering). Deep root forks or needles get water to the roots fast and effectively without waste from runoff. Beware overwatering — signs include yellowing leaves, fungus on bark or soil surface, and constantly soggy soil. Signs of underwatering are drooping leaves, brown edges on foliage, and leaves falling during summer.

Watering Tools, Supplies, and Methods

Optimize watering newly planted trees and shrubs with:

• Soaker hoses

• Drip irrigation

• Watering cans

• Buckets with holes drilled for slow-release

• Mulch

Step-by-step guides are below.

Soaker Hoses

1. Place hoses around plants’ bases

2. Turn on the water at a low pressure to allow slow watering

3. Run for 30-60 minutes for deep watering to reach the roots

Drip Irrigation

1. Install emitters near root zones

2. Use timers for regular, slow watering during cool morning temps

3. Monitor plants and weather — adjust water volume as needed

Watering Cans

1. Water the bases of plants, not the foliage (avoids disease spread)

2. Be patient and water slowly

3. Focus on the root zone

Bucket Method

1. Drill a minimal amount of holes in the bucket bottom

2. Fill bucket and allow gravity to work its magic

3. Add more holes if release is too slow (but avoid runoff)

Mulch

1. Install two to three inches thick at the plant base (not too close to tree trunks)

2. Wood mulch cools soil more than rock

3. Replenish periodically (thin spots allow weeds to grow, stealing moisture)

Regardless of the method, mistakes can be costly.

Avoiding Common Watering Mistakes

Watering mistakes are revealed through bleached foliage, “crunchy” leaves, and blackened leaves. Monitoring newly planted trees and shrubs helps you correct course, whether the issue is over-watering, under-watering, or not getting enough water to the roots.

If a client’s irrigation system doesn’t have rain sensors, track rainfall with a rain gauge so plants get proper amounts of water. During the hottest weeks, especially combined with dry, windy periods, increase watering frequency. 

Monitor tropical storms, common in the Southeast from June 1 to November 30 (official hurricane season), which can dump several inches of rain in mere hours. Dial back the irrigation.

Lastly, keep checking the soil moisture regularly since that’s the best sign of watering mistakes.

Long-term Maintenance and Monitoring

The majority of trees and shrubs will be established after two to three years and thrive with only rainfall (except in extreme drought). New and vigorous growth tells you the plants are well-established, with roots running deep.

As long as you keep a consistent eye on soil moisture, your clients’ established plants should remain healthy for many years!

MNI Direct: Your Partner in Plant Materials

We know the struggles related to watering trees and shrubs during the Southeast’s blazing summers. 

That’s why we carry the highest-quality plant materials specifically selected to thrive in this hot, humid, and harsh climate. By partnering with MNI Direct, you gain access to our premium plants along with the exceptional customer service you deserve.

Our team is eager to answer additional questions about proper watering techniques and overall plant care. We want your clients to be thrilled with their flourishing trees and shrubs.

Contact our experts for advice on watering new plantings, transplants, large trees, and shrubs.