Dry weather warning, it's time to water your trees and shrubs!

Early June and very little sign of rain! It's been dry for several weeks here in East Sussex, with sunshine and drying winds. Remember that your newly-planted trees and shrubs need water. Under-watering and over-watering can both cause harm, and ultimately lead to the death of plants. 

Take heed and follow English Woodlands' guide to watering:

• Young trees and shrubs will generally require a can of water (up to 10 litres) a couple of times per week.
• Keep a careful eye on plants in pots. They might need watering more frequently. They will also need feeding once the nutrients in the new compost or soil have been depleted.
• Rain water is always best! If this is not possible, try to allow the water to stand for a day or two. This will allow chlorine to evaporate.
• Consider applying a mulch or using a mulch mat. This helps to stop the top layer of soil from drying out and more moisture is trapped underneath.
• Don't be tempted to water too much. It can wash away the nutrients in the soil and lead to drowning of the roots so that trees are unable to access oxygen and nutrients.
• Little and often is not a good idea. It causes surface roots to grow, at the expense of deeper roots. This is not a good recipe for the long-term success of the plant.
• Even trees and shrubs that have been in the ground for up to two years will need moderate amounts of water. This is because it takes a while for roots to become established, at which point they are able to seek out moisture and nutrients from the surrounding soil.
• If you notice your trees and shrubs shedding leaves, don't despair - they are conserving energy and moisture by reducing the need to hydrate every leaf. You need to step in before they start to droop, however. 
• Going on holiday? Ask a friend or neighbour to keep them hydrated so that you don't come home to a bare twig.
• Consider future-proofing your garden. Drought-resistant trees and shrubs might be the sensible choice to cope with climate change. For example, Gleditsia triacanthos 'Sunburst', can cope with both drought and urban pollution, once established. Pyrus calleryana has shown good resistance to dry conditions and the cockspur thorn, Crataegus prunifolia is also drought-resistant.
• Keep yourself hydrated too! Did you know that you require around 3 litres of water per day in order to provide your body with what it needs during hot weather? Don't be tempted to drink more than one litre of water per hour however, as this tends to dilute the electrolytes in your blood.

We welcome visitors six days per week, whatever the weather!

You can visit English Woodlands six days per week, Monday to Saturday:

English Woodlands
Burrow Nursery
Cross in Hand
Heathfield
East Sussex
TN21 0UG

Tel: 01435 862992

info@ewburrownursery.co.uk