The amount of water a plant needs depends on many things. A few factors include the plant type, age and size, the environmental conditions, and soil type. When you do water, aim for deep, infrequent waterings to encourage strong root systems. Strong root systems make for more resilient plants.   

Best Watering Practices

Generally, an infrequent, deep irrigation event that wets the root zone is better than a few shallower waterings. Drought conditions can be challenging for any plant, including trees and shrubs – both young and old.  

Ideal Irrigation 

It is ideal to irrigate before water becomes completely unavailable to a plant but not provide so much water that it exceeds the amount the plant can absorb – and this applies to all plants.  

On the flip side, too much water and over-irrigating can lead to root rot, pests, and disease problems. Keeping an eye on your landscape and applying irrigation before the plant displays signs of severe stress is ideal.

• Be sure your irrigation program is compliant with the Modified Phase III Water Shortage Order and check your city/county for more information or further restrictions.  

Read Pasco County’s watering restrictions: New Watering Guidelines Issued for Pasco County   

What to Avoid in a Drought 

In drought conditions, it is best to avoid the following, if possible:   

• Avoid fertilizing at this time. When the plant is under stress from environmental conditions, fertilizing can cause weak growth, pest and disease infestation, or death.  
• Avoid pruning branches and stems.  
• Avoid landscaping changes, foot & vehicle traffic, and mowing near plant roots, and under a tree’s canopy 
• Avoid placing mulch too close to stems and trunks. Instead, keep the mulch layer 12-18 inches from any trunk. If possible, install a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture near the roots. Mulch should be Florida-Friendly, and only 2-3 inches deep.  
• Volcano mulching or placing the mulch too close, and piled up high on a plant’s trunk or stem is harmful because it holds moisture against the plant. This practice can cause rot, pest, and disease problems.  

 Read more about Trees and drought – Landscape plants – Edward F. Gilman – UF/IFAS.  

Stay tuned to learn more about maintaining trees and shrubs in a drought.

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