During the summer, plant materials such as turf, shrubs, ground covers, and trees are exposed to high temperatures. Providing more water to your landscape may seem like a logical solution to prevent it from drying out, but even daily watering can be insufficient when temperatures are high. When temperatures are high, the surface soil in a landscape will dry out quickly causing shallow rooted plant material, like lavender and petunia, to require more care. To help plants endure the heat and maintain their appearance, it is recommended to train your landscape for deep root growth.
Deep root training is a horticultural practice that involves guiding the roots of landscape plants to grow deeply into the soil, thereby accessing water and nutrients more effectively. Promoting deep root growth enhances the plant's resilience to summer heat, optimizes nutrient absorption, minimizes water wastage through runoff and evaporation, and contributes to improved soil health.
Plants with deep root systems, such as perennials, will naturally penetrate deep into the soil without requiring additional training, whereas annuals like lantana, zinnias, and hosta with shallow root systems require training. Distinguishing between deep rooted and shallow-rooted plant material may be challenging. It is advisable to implement deep-root training for your entire landscape, excluding container gardens and raised beds.
Roots located deep within the soil have improved access to groundwater, thereby minimizing the risk of dehydration during periods of high temperatures and drought. The best time to start deep root training is once newly planted plants have established their roots. It is advisable to begin this training for your landscape before the arrival of high temperatures. It should be noted that encouraging deep root growth is a gradual process and cannot be rushed.
Several techniques can promote deep root growth, and using an irrigation system is a highly effective method for achieving this throughout an entire landscape. One recommended practice is to gradually decrease the watering frequency through the irrigation system. Setting the irrigation to operate for extended periods on fewer days each week is considered an optimal method for reducing watering frequency. This technique assists in drying out the surface soil, prompting plant roots to grow deeper in search of moisture. Additional methods include employing drip irrigation, root watering stakes and funnels, and root training containers.
Training landscape plants to develop deeper root systems results in healthier and more resilient plants that can better withstand the challenges of the summer heat. Additionally, deep root watering improves the roots nutrient absorption, reduces water waste, and prevents soil compaction. Overall, deep root watering is beneficial for plant health and growth.
~ Happy Planting!
