How do I water and how often?

Since many areas missed much of the rainfall this week, a review of proper watering procedures is in order.

New trees and shrubs are particularly stressed by moisture extremes (wet and
dry) due to having a number of roots cut at planting time.  Please observe
the watering recommendations printed below.  Improper watering can harm
trees and shrubs and void new plant warranties.

No matter what type of sprinkler you chose, or if you use a sprinkler
system, it is essential that you measure the water applied. 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.

Watering sprinklers and rain gauges are available from the Arbor Doctor store online here.
More localized rainfall totals my be found here and here.

Dry August to date

After a cool, wet July, August has been quite dry at my Cheviot 0.9 SSE location.  There has only been one really good rain here all month with 1.27 inch on the 4th.   In the past 16 days I have recorded only 0.35 inch.  Lawns are beginning to slump into summer dormancy in my neighborhood.

Summer arrives this weekend…extended stay?

Summer will finally arrive in Cincinnati this weekend, perhaps for an extended stay.

The weather pattern which has dominated over the past month, bringing cool air to the east and hot air to the western US, will break down.  This will allow the western US heat to expand into the east and midwest.  Read more here.

This new pattern may hold over the next two weeks.

14 day forecast:  click here

NWS 8 to 14 day outlook:  click here

Rainfall Tuesday was generous and over one inch area-wide.  Therefore, we are starting out with good soil moisture heading into this hot and drier two week period.

Summary of recent heavy rain and severe storms:  Click here

Watering instructions and rain gauges:  click here