Question From: g. esterhuizen - Albrechtice nad Vltavou, South Bohemian Region, Czech Republic
Q: Planted young viburnum, the leaves are falling off and the plant seems to be dying have good soil planted 12 of them 5 have died other 7 don't look well I water them every day could I be giving them to much water
A: Gerald, Daily watering of plants in the ground is probably excessive unless they are planted in sand, the temperatures climb into the 90's F, and there is no rain for more then two weeks. The soil should be kept moist, but not sodden. My rule of thumb for plants planted in summer is to water daily for the first week.
Every other day for the next week and then twice a week. If it rains a great deal, as it has this summer here in Michigan, USA, I check the soil before watering. Because all soils vary from landscape to landscape there is no hard and fast rule. I suggest you invest in a moisture meter to help you get a handle on how to irrigate your shrubs. Do not fertilize newly planted shrubs until late winter or early spring.
