Let’s discuss healthy plant watering for our central Ohio landscapes.

The answer is that there is no easy formula or 1 size fits all approach.  Each Landscape site will vary based off the following factors:

Soil – The soil structure measured in a clay – sand – silt format

Slope – Measured in ratio vertical rise to horizontal run

Plant type – Water demand of herbaceous vs woody vs grass

Most scholarly articles note deep infrequent watering schedules to get water to the deeper root zones.  This can be challenging with Ohio’s native clay soil which has low absorption rates.  Proper watering technique is key to promoting healthy deep root growth.  Less frequent (1-2 day) watering in the spring (as we usually have plenty of rain) is healthier than a set 3-4 day / week cycle.  

Here is a great article by the University of Minnesota

While summer months heat up, both frequency and time are recommended to increase.  If we only increase time scheduled during a 2 day cycle we risk oversaturating the soil causing run off.  If we water every day we risk poor plant health & root rot (Phytophthora and Pythium)

If plants & lawn have been established for more than 5 years we recommend holding off on running irrigation systems until late may if possible.

Wifi/smart controllers can be a tremendous boon as triggers can be programmed to minimize spring watering if the weather is conducive or increase it as needed if regional rainfall lessens.  It is important to ensure the smart controller is set up properly to the cloud

Ask Oakland Irrigation how we can promote a healthy spring environment for your landscape.