The Art of Watering: How to Keep Your Plants and Flowers Thriving

As temperatures rise in May, ensuring your plants and flowers receive the right amount of water is essential for a vibrant and healthy landscape. Proper watering not only keeps your garden lush but also helps plants develop strong roots, resist drought, and flourish throughout the season.

At OakLawn Landscaping, we believe that watering is an art—a balance between providing enough moisture for growth while encouraging deep root development. Whether you’re maintaining a residential garden or caring for a commercial landscape, following the best watering techniques will ensure your plants and flowers thrive.

Why Proper Watering Matters

Water is one of the most important elements for plant health, supporting:

Root Development – Deep watering encourages strong roots, helping plants withstand dry conditions.
Nutrient Absorption – Water transports essential nutrients from the soil to plants.
Healthy Growth – Proper hydration leads to lush foliage and vibrant blooms.
Heat Resistance – Well-watered plants are better equipped to handle summer temperatures.

By understanding the best watering practices, you can maximize plant health and beauty throughout the growing season.

Best Practices for Watering Plants and Flowers

1. Water Deeply, Not Just the Surface

One of the keys to effective watering is deep watering. Instead of frequent, shallow watering, focus on soaking the root zone so plants can absorb moisture where they need it most.

For flower beds – Water until the soil is moist 6 inches deep.
For shrubs and perennials – Aim for moisture to reach 8–12 inches deep.
For trees – Deep watering should penetrate at least 12–18 inches into the soil.

Deep watering encourages roots to grow downward, making plants more resilient to heat and dry spells.

2. Water Early in the Morning

The best time to water is early in the morning, ideally between 5:00 AM and 9:00 AM. Morning watering allows:

Optimal absorption – Water soaks into the soil before the heat of the day.
Reduced evaporation – Less water is lost to the sun.
Stronger plants – Hydrated plants can withstand afternoon temperatures better.

If mornings aren’t an option, watering in the late afternoon is the next best choice—but avoid watering in the evening, as damp conditions overnight can promote disease.

3. Use the Right Amount of Water

Different plants have different watering needs. Here’s a general guide for some common landscape plants:

Annual flowers (petunias, marigolds, impatiens): 1 inch of water per week
Perennials (hostas, daylilies, lavender): 1–2 inches per week
Shrubs: 1–2 inches per week, depending on size
Newly planted trees: 5–10 gallons of water per week
Established trees: Deep watering every 10–14 days

For best results, check the soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil. If the top 2 inches are dry, it’s time to water.

4. Choose the Best Watering Method

Not all watering methods are created equal! Choose the right approach to maximize efficiency:

Soaker Hoses & Drip Irrigation – Deliver water directly to the roots, reducing waste and keeping leaves dry.
Hand Watering with a Hose or Watering Can – Great for container plants and small garden beds.
Sprinkler Systems – Effective for large lawns and flower beds, but should be used early in the day to minimize evaporation.
Irrigation Systems – Automated watering ensures consistent moisture levels for commercial properties and large landscapes.

Our irrigation specialists at OakLawn Landscaping can design and install efficient watering systems to keep your plants healthy while conserving water.

5. Mulch to Retain Moisture

Mulching is one of the best ways to retain soil moisture and reduce watering frequency. A 2–3 inch layer of mulch:

Keeps soil cool and prevents water evaporation.
Reduces weeds that compete for moisture.
Enhances soil quality by slowly breaking down and enriching nutrients.

Organic mulch options like shredded bark, pine needles, and compost work best for flower beds, shrubs, and garden spaces.

6. Adjust Watering Based on Weather

May weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to adjust watering based on rainfall and temperatures:

After heavy rain – Reduce or skip watering for a few days.
During heat waves – Increase watering, but do so in the morning to prevent stress.
On windy days – Watering should be done carefully to ensure moisture reaches the roots.

Smart irrigation systems with rain sensors can help automate these adjustments, ensuring plants receive just the right amount of moisture.

Special Considerations for Commercial Landscapes

For businesses, apartment complexes, and office buildings, a well-maintained landscape leaves a positive impression on clients and visitors. Commercial landscapes often have:

Large green spaces that require efficient irrigation systems.
Seasonal flowers that need consistent moisture.
Mulched plant beds that help retain water and reduce maintenance.

OakLawn Landscaping provides professional irrigation management and watering solutions to ensure commercial properties remain beautiful and inviting all season long.

Why Choose OakLawn Landscaping for Watering and Irrigation Solutions?

Proper watering is essential for a thriving landscape, but it doesn’t have to be a hassle. At OakLawn Landscaping, we offer expert watering and irrigation services to keep your plants, flowers, and lawns healthy all year long.

Customized irrigation plans tailored to your property’s needs.
Professional installation of drip irrigation and sprinkler systems.
Seasonal maintenance to adjust watering based on weather conditions.
Eco-friendly solutions that conserve water while keeping plants hydrated.

Keep Your Landscape Flourishing This May!

With the right watering techniques, your plants and flowers will thrive, bringing color, beauty, and vibrancy to your outdoor spaces. Whether you need professional irrigation, mulching, or landscape maintenance, OakLawn Landscaping is here to help.

Call us today at 301-854-0684 to schedule a consultation and ensure your landscape stays lush and healthy this season!