All trees and shrubs need more frequent watering beginning at planting and until becoming well rooted, which may take two growing seasons. Established plants can then be weaned to tolerate less frequent watering. Proper weaning develops deep roots and makes the plants more drought enduring.
In the absences of rain, most trees and shrubs benefit from a once-a-month thorough watering during the growing season. Remember, normal lawn watering is not a substitute for thorough tree and shrub watering.
The feeding root system of a tree or shrub is located within the top 12 inches of soil and at the "dripline" of the plant. The dripline is the area directly below the outmost reaches of the branches. Apply water and fertilizer just inside and little beyond the dripline.
Place a slowly running hose on the ground and move it around in the dripline area until an area becomes saturated to a depth of 8 to 10 inches. For large trees, this watering technique may require several hours.
Mowing grass at the proper height conserves water. Mow St. Augustine grass and buffalo grass at three (3) inches while Bermuda grass should be mowed at one (1) inch with Centipede grass and Zoysia grass at two (2) inches.
Applying fertilizer to the lawn at the proper time and in the proper amount can save time, effort and money through reduced mowing and watering. Fertilizers can also be a major source of stream and groundwater pollution if excessive amounts of fertilizer are applied or if water runoff carries the fertilizer into a drainage area.
Fertilize lawns once in the spring and once in the fall to produce a beautiful turf without excess growth, which in turn requires more water. Best to use a slow-release form of nitrogen in the spring application and a quick-release form of nitrogen in the fall. Apply only one (1) pound of actual nitrogen fertilizer per 1,000 square feet of lawn at one time. By using this nitrogen schedule, no other fertilizer is needed to maintain most shrubs and trees in the lawn area.