Question From: Sea Cliff, New York, United States
Q: Dear Nancy I just put in 12 drag root spire arborvitae very close together. My soaker hose is intertwined among the trees. With the large burlap ball around each one, I am wondering how long I need to leave the hose on. The burlap balls are. Good 8-12 inches below ground. How long do I need to put the hose on and what parts of the day. Thank you
A: I can't give you an exact answer Maureen as every situation is different. First and my most serious concerns - are the trees planted too closely together? Second, the burlap should have been removed. Third - the surface of the root balls should be level with the soil surface. The soil in the root ball should be kept moist at all times, but not sodden. Water every other day for the first couple weeks, then twice a week for a month and then once a week. If it rains a lot you may not need to water. It may be worth it to have a certified arborist do an onsite inspection to give you advice and walk you through a program that caters to your garden's needs. To find a professional in your area go to www.tcia.org and enter your zip code. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy
