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Watering Instructions

Lack of water is the #1 killer of newly planted Nursery stock in Bozeman and surrounding areas. Nearly 90% of newly planted nursery stock does not surviver through the first growing season due to the lack of water. It is almost inmpossible to over water nursery stock in the Belgrade area. The soil conditions in Belgrade, Four Corners, and south west of Bozeman consist of so much gravel and rock that the water that is applied to newly planted nursery stock goes right on past the root system. To compensate for conditions in these areas more water must be applied than would a residence with Bozeman clay conditions.

All newly planted nursery stock (shrubs, coniferous, and deciduous trees) require watering at the time of planting. The water that is applied to the new nursery stock is absorbed by the surrounding sub-soils and is used to remove the air pockets that develop when planting occurs. When watering you do not want to develop a sloppy mess, but you are trying to leave surrounding sub-soil with enough moisture. If sub-soil does notget its allotment of moisture that it needs, than it will begin to take moisture away from nursery stock.

Once it has been planted:
Newly planted nursery stock should be watered consecutivelyfor five days. The best time for watering is in the early morning or late evenings. At no time should you not water your nursery stock during this five day period.
There is no reason to water the foliage on any shrub or tree. This may make you feel better, it does not do anything for the Nursery stock

Shrubs:
5-10 minutes per day for 5 days watering with a garden hose. Water at half volume.

Large Trees & Shrubs:
10-20 minutes per day for 5 day period with a garden hose. Water at half volume.

Trees having 2" Caliper or Greater:
30 minutes per day for 5 day period with a garden hose. Water at half volume.

Water Schedule:
Watering requirements for nursery stock once it has passed it's five day period. A normal summer in Bozeman, Montana requires newly planted nursery stock to be watered every 3 days with a garden hose at half volume. This watering program has taken into consideration hot and dry spell for this region and should be followed for the first growing season. If there is an extensive rainy period, the nursery stock still requires the recommended amount of water. If these instructions are followed there is no reason for newly planted nursery stock not to survive.

In the Fall:
During the fall months normally aroundthe months of October it is a good idea to increase the water and eliminate any fertilizer tha is being applied. Creekside Nursery and Landscape, Inc. recommends not to use any fertilizer for the first growing season. What you are trying to acheive is allowing the roots to get used to its new surroundings. Eliminating air pockets, allowing the tiny white hairs to develop, and begin to grow.

The Second Growing Season:
Once the nursery stock has made it through the first growing season the materials will require minimal watering. Although the homeowner should take into consideration the hot and dry periods. The nursery stock should be well established.

Lack of Water to the Soil:
If the roots and the root zone are allowed to dry out, the tiny white hairs will actually separate from the surrounding sub-soil. Nursery stock obtains its vital nutrients from the soil. Once this has occured it is very difficult to re-establish this relationship. Now the problem at hand is lack of nutrients. Once again 90% of newly planted nursery stock that dies is due to lack of water. If you are ever in any question or concerns about these watering instructions, don't hesitate to call. Enjoy the Shade!