New plants (in the ground less than 3 years, as they are still establishing), trees and shrubs, and any drought-intolerant perennials should be monitored for watering needs during any period of dry weather. If they have not been watered thus far, given the drought status most of Maryland (including Montgomery County; see linked page) has been experiencing for nearly the entire summer, then there might already have been damage done to the roots, branches, or the buds for next year's foliage or flowers, but time will tell. Even so, it would help to reduce plant stress to water later rather than not at all. Our Watering Trees and Shrubs web page provides guidance, and can apply to vines and perennials as well.

Evergreens need their retained foliage to stay hydrated during winter, or they will suffer from "winterburn" that can kill leaves and sometimes even branches. If you have to prioritize which trees or shrubs to water, choose evergreens first. A drought-damaged or winter-damaged evergreen might not manifest symptoms until months later. We've seen numerous 'Green Giant' arborvitae around central Maryland, for example, dead or with significant dieback they will not recover from, due entirely or in part to the drought this summer.

For any plant monitoring, feel the soil around five or six inches deep. If it is somewhat dry to the touch at that depth, a thorough soaking of the root zone will probably benefit the plant. How long to water will greatly depend on how you're watering and what the water pressure is like. (Holding a hose with a "rain" wand? Using a watering can? Using an oscillating sprinkler? These all apply water at different rates.) Check to see how deeply the irrigation water seeped into the soil, either several hours or the day after you watered. If it's soaked in to re-moisten the soil at the same depth you were checking it before (six inches), then the amount of water you provided was sufficient. If not, then the water volume or time of sprinkler running may need to be increased. Sandy soil low in organic matter will drain and dry faster than soil high in clay. Compacted soil might resist absorbing water when it gets too dry.

When the soil regularly freezes later this winter, watering can slow or stop, depending on what plants are in the garden/yard that are either newer or not tolerant of drying out. Even so, during mild spells and dry conditions, plants can be checked again and watered as needed. Winter air, being drier, plus sunny days or breezy days, can all gradually dry the soil out during winter if snow or rain is lacking. So far, many areas of the state are several inches behind on rainfall, so it will take several rainstorms to catch us up.

Miri

Dear Miri,

Many thanks./steve

You're welcome!