How to water your hedges properly?

Watering your hedges is an action that may seem quite ordinary at first glance, but by adopting the right gestures and reflexes, it can help optimize the growth of shrubs and save you water at the same time.

Futhermore, it is essential to provide enough water in the first months after planting a hedge and persist doing so for up to two years. In the beginning, the shrubs' roots do not go deep enough to collect enough water, so your hedges can quickly dry up due to a moment of inattention. Here are some determining questions to ask yourself to ensure that your hedges are getting sufficient water.  

The first factor that needs to be looked at is the nature of the soil.

Sandy soil

This soil is rather light and will not retain water very long. If your garden has this type of soil, it's best to water often and in small quantity.

Clay soil

Clay soil is heavier and will retain water better than sandy soil. As a result, it only takes one abundant watering session to saturate the soil and will not need any more until next time.

Your preferred method of watering will really depend on the size of the hedge that needs looking after.

Using a watering can for small hedges

If it is a small hedge, a simple watering can may be enough. The most important thing is to water the shrubs' base. To avoid backaches, you can also use a watering lance or a spray gun that attaches to your garden hose.

Automatic watering systems

If you have big hedges, an automatic watering system equipped with a controller will quickly become indispensable. The controller is designed to use exactly the right amount of water. Another solution is to install a drip irrigation systemat the foot of each shrub.

Basic watering isn't going to cut it when it comes to getting the soil moist enough. It also needs about ten liters of water to be poured the base of each shrub once a week over the summer.

In winter, depending on temperature and weather, the plants may need more or less water. You should adapt the watering routine in accordance with these factors.

The best approach is to water your hedges at night. This rule can eventually be applied to all other types of plants because, with the sun, water has a natural tendency to evaporate.

By watering your plants around sunset, this effect can be reduced. On the other hand, when it starts to freeze in winter, the plants can suffer from dryness. In this case, it's best to water them inthe morning.

This is accomplished by placing mulch at the foot of your hedges. Mulching consists of covering the soil around the shrubs with plant-based components such as wood chips or straw.

Benefits of mulching

• Limits the evaporation of water;

• Prevents weeds from growing;

• Maximizes the efficiency of watering over a period of several years;

• Promotes the growth of shrubs.

To learn more about hedges, trimming tools, and individual equipment or protection, follow the links below for lighting-related accessories, advice from our editors and more helpful guides:

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• Why should you trim your hedge?

• How to choose your hedge trimmer?

• How to choose your vegetable crusher?

• How to choose you tree cutter?

• How to choose your brush cutter?

• How to choose your sprayer?

• How to choose your tools for working soil?

• How to choose your tools for loosening soil?

• How to choose your soil?

• How to choose your fertiliser?

• How to choose your irrigation drip?

• What do plant or sow in March?

• How to choose your hose and reel?

• How to choose your watering can and sprinkler?

• How to choose your water pump?

• How to choose your protective gloves?

• How to choose your hand tools for branches and shrubs?