Services such as vertical mulching, radial trenching, and root collar excavation require good soil moisture for best results. While we can water in conjunction with such treatments, experience has shown that the best results are yielded when soil moisture is naturally good.
Rainfall has been below average for nine of the past ten months, with very dry conditions combined with very warm temperatures for a good part of the summer. Drought conditions are worsening across the area. For this reason, we have delayed some of this work in the hopes that natural soil moisture conditions improve.
As the fall progresses, temperatures cool, slowing evaporation rates. We can only hope that rainfall increases as well. One way or another, we will proceed with the work. Just be aware that we have not forgotten you and we will take care of things for you.
In the meantime, be sure to water your trees and shrubs. We are seeing increased stress and defoliation, and experience has shown that such stresses lead to decline or death in either the short or long term.
How do I water and how often? No matter what type of sprinkler you chose, or if you use a sprinkler system, it is essential that you measure the water applied with a straight sided can or rain gauge. In the Cincinnati area, in areas with clay soil, it is best to water one to two inches at a time, once every seven to ten days in the absence of rainfall. This schedule should be adjusted to account for variations in temperature, natural rainfall, exposure of individual plants and the water needs of individual plants. Do not locate plants together if their water needs are dissimilar.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.