With the hot weather continuing, it is imperative that established plantings -- as well as newly installed perennials, shrubs and trees -- be watered.
	Whenever water levels drop in summer, you should save water from wherever you can. Some people are collecting water from various sources and are pouring that water at the bases of their flowering plants.

Newly planted shrubs should be watered three times a week -- preferably early in the morning. Large trees should be watered with a hose turned on about 1/3. Let the water seep slowly into the ground over a one-hour period or more.

	Established plantings, especially dogwoods, can be damaged during summer droughts. Watering established plants at least once a week will be beneficial to the health of these plants.
In this case, this homeowner has been collecting water from her dehumidifier from which she gets about 10 gallons of water every three days.

Lawn watering is essential during dry periods. To minimize potential fungal disease problems, water your lawn early in the morning -- not at night. During hot and humid weather, damp grass can germinate fungal diseases overnight. Sod lawns will require daily watering to survive the heat. Seeded lawns are less demanding and actually can go dormant without watering and green-up again in the fall with minimal long-term damage.

If you have any questions regarding these tips, contact:

Frank Crandall, Wood River Evergreens,
101 Woodville Road, Hope Valley, RI 02832

Phone: (401) 364-3387 or (800) 967-8733