How to water new plants, even during a watering ban

Watering is unglamorous, but it's the single biggest factor in whether new plantings survive their first season. Here's a simple guide to getting them through while remaining conscious of water usage.

New Gardens:Perennials, shrubs, groundcovers, and transplants

What's happening: Transplants and potted plants have had their root systems disrupted and need a supportive environment to stretch their roots into the new soil surrounding them.

How to water: Deep watering is superior to shallow every time. Fewer, longer soakings encourage roots to grow downward, which makes plants far more resilient in drought conditions. Always check a few inches down before watering: if it's dry, water; if it's still moist, wait.

• First week: Water deeply twice daily to keep soil consistently moist while plants adjust.

• Weeks 2-3: Water 2-3 times per week, adjusting for temperature and rainfall.

• After 4 weeks: Ensure plants receive 1” of water per week. If it rains, you may be off the hook. If not, you will need to water. Check soil and observe the dramatic plants - they will tell you when they are thirsty.

💡 Weeding and watering are the two most important things you can do for a new planting. Stay on top of both and you're most of the way there.

Trees: Balled-and-burlapped and container-grown

What's happening: A transplanted tree is not supported by the wide web of roots it may have had before being moved to your property. The root ball that arrives with it is small, dries out quickly, and is the tree's only water source until new roots establish. That's why the first few weeks are so critical!

How to water: Flood the root zone of one tree, move on to the next planting, then circle back and flood the root ball again. Multiple passes per session ensure water actually penetrates rather than just wetting the surface. When in doubt, check soil moisture about 2-3” down.

• Days 1-5: Water daily. The root ball needs to stay saturated as roots begin to settle in.

• Weeks 1-4: Gradually reduce watering to every few days, then weekly as the tree establishes.

• After 4-5 weeks: A thorough watering every 7-14 days through summer and into fall is usually enough in dry weather.

• Long-term: Trees may need watering support for up to 3 growing seasons. Observation is key!

💡 Nutrients are only available to plants when the soil is moist. Dry soil and nutrient absorption do not mesh.

Lawns and Meadows: Grass seed, wildflower mixes, and ground cover seed

What's happening: Germinating seeds and brand-new roots have almost no moisture reserves of their own. The soil surface needs to stay consistently damp for germination to occur. That’s why you see people watering their lawns, even during the rain, this time of year. *eye roll*

How to water: Light and frequent while seeds are germinating, then gradually deeper and less often as roots establish. Early morning is best as it gives water time to absorb before the heat of the day drives evaporation.

• First 2 weeks: Water lightly 2-4 times daily. Keep the surface moist but avoid puddles or runoff.

• Weeks 3-6: Shift to deeper watering every 1-3 days, depending on weather and rainfall.

• After establishment: Water deeply 1-2 times per week during dry periods to encourage strong root growth.

So, your town has a watering ban…

If your town issues an outdoor watering restriction this summer, the knee-jerk reaction is panic, but most bans have more flexibility than people realize, especially for new plantings.

Drip irrigation: the smartest way to water under any conditions

Drip systems and soaker hoses deliver water slowly, directly to root zones, with almost no evaporation or runoff. They're more effective than sprinklers for new plantings, and they're typically exempt from watering bans even at higher restriction levels — because they're exactly what conservation officials want people to use. If you're investing in new trees or a garden bed, a drip setup pays for itself in water savings and plant health, whether there's a ban or not.

Hand watering is almost always allowed. Watering directly at the root with a hose or watering can uses a fraction of what an irrigation system uses and is permitted under most restriction levels.

Time of day matters. Most ordinances require watering before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m. which is when evaporation is lowest. A habit worth building regardless.

Collect what falls for free. Rainwater collected in barrels isn't subject to outdoor watering restrictions. A barrel connected to a downspout can quietly keep a new planting alive through a dry stretch.

New plantings may be exempt. Many towns allow an exemption window - often 30 days - for newly installed trees and shrubs. Check your local rules now, before a ban is in effect. When in doubt, call your water department; they'd rather help you keep a new tree alive than watch it fail.

Check current Massachusetts outdoor water use restrictions by municipality: mass.gov/info-details/outdoor-water-use-restrictions-for-cities-towns-and-golf-coursesA newly planted tree's entire water supply runs through its original root ball — the surrounding soil isn't yet connected to anything. Keeping that root ball consistently moist for the first several weeks is the whole job.