By Bob Dailey
Although there are various recommendations floating around out there, we prefer to rely on scientifically based advice.
Knowing there can be slight variations based on soil, shade, slope, season and species, we recommend no more than these water applications per the following plant types:
- Lawns— One half-inch of water once a week is sufficient for lawn survival and modest growth.
- Groundcover, perennials and shrubs— Plants like jasmine, ivy, salvias, lantana, roses, yaupons and hollies do well with twice a month watering in the absence of rain. The amount is never to exceed ¾ inch (or ½ gallon) per square foot, per watering event.
- Trees— established native and adapted non-native trees rarely need any supplemental irrigation. If a month significantly lacks normal rainfall then the recommendation is 1 ¼ inch per square foot, or about 1 gallon per square foot, once a month.
- Palms— Established palms only need water twice a year at most.
The purpose of appropriate watering schedules and amounts is to produce healthy plants and low water bills. Plants need both water and oxygen to thrive and grow. Too much of either results in poor performance.
