NURSERY AND GARDEN CENTER
Plant Care
Healthy trees and shrubs start with the right watering routine! Give your landscape the care it deserves by following these simple watering guidelines to keep your plants thriving year-round.
When and How to Water Your Trees
You can't determine soil moisture just by looking at the surface. Dry soil can damage small roots, reducing a tree’s ability to absorb water—even after re-watering. Prolonged drought stress also makes trees more vulnerable to diseases and pests.
To accurately check moisture levels, use a hand trowel, soil probe, or simply insert your finger into the soil. If the soil feels hard and resists penetration, it’s a clear sign that watering is needed.
Newly Planted Trees
Proper watering is the most critical factor in the health of transplanted trees. Both overwatering and underwatering can cause damage, but more trees suffer from too much water than too little.
Regularly check new plants and trees, as their root systems are still developing. Newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials primarily draw moisture from their root ball, which can dry out in just a day or two—even if the surrounding soil remains moist. To ensure healthy growth, monitor soil moisture frequently and adjust watering as needed.
Water the Roots
Watering a plant’s leaves is unnecessary—focus on the soil where the roots absorb moisture. The Arboretum recommends watering within the tree’s drip line—the area from the trunk to the edge of the branches—to reach the roots most effectively. The key water-absorbing roots are within the top two feet of soil, and they should be kept moist but not soggy.
For best results, avoid frequent, shallow watering. Instead, water deeply and less often, about once a week. Let a garden hose run slowly at the drip line, moving it periodically. At medium pressure, about five minutes delivers 10 gallons of water.
If using a sprinkler system, place a straight-sided container under the spray. Water until it collects one to two inches—this ensures moisture reaches about six inches deep, where the tree’s fine, water-absorbing roots thrive.
Use Watering Bags for Trees
When filled with water and placed around a tree trunk, these watering bags provide a slow, steady release of moisture directly into the soil. This ensures deep root hydration, helping trees establish strong, healthy root systems.
By delivering a precise amount of water each time, these bags prevent overwatering or underwatering. They are an excellent solution for keeping young trees properly watered and thriving, especially during hot or dry periods.
Plants should receive up to one inch of water weekly. Water both the root ball (right around the trunk), and the surrounding area. Water deeply and then let the water soak in to encourage new roots to grow deeper into the soil.
Warranty
At Black Diamond, we stand behind the quality of our trees and shrubs. When professionally planted by our team, they are backed by a one-year, 100% replacement warranty at the full purchase price. If you choose to plant them yourself, we offer a 100% replacement warranty for the first six months and a 50% replacement warranty for the following six months. No matter how you plant, we’re committed to helping your landscape thrive.
Warranty Conditions
Sale items are covered under warranty for replacement at the sale price. Please keep your sales receipt in case a replacement is needed. If you have concerns about your plant’s health, visit our store for an evaluation—we’ll help you develop a care plan or determine if a replacement is necessary. Trees and shrubs are eligible for a one-time replacement only. Damage caused by factors beyond our control is not covered. This warranty does not apply to accounts with outstanding balances or to commercial customers. No cash refunds.