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Soil, Compost & Mulch

Clay rootballed shrub planted in sandy loam

6 years ago

Hi there,

I recently planted shrubs and there are different watering guidelines based on the soil and its drainage. My soil is sandy loam and drains pretty well but my shrubs came in a clay rootball. How should this impact my watering? Should I treat it as clay soil ro sandy loam?

Thanks.

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Comments (4)

floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
6 years ago
Where do these 'watering guidelines' come from?

Watering should respond to the needs of the plant, not the type of soil. So you water when the plant requires water regardless of what soil you have. You can't say 'Oh, I have sandy/clay soil, so I need to water at such and such intervals'. There are lots of variables, including the weather, the species, the time of year, the size of the plant and gradually you will learn to interpret your plant's appearance and water accordingly. One basic is to absolutely drench anything new at the time of planting. Thereafter be guided by the plant.
theparsley
6 years ago
When the soil of the root ball differs so drastically from the planting soil, root washing before planting is something you should consider: http://wolberts.com/root-washing-an-excellent-way-to-plant-trees/
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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
6 years ago
There can be issue with root washing....especially at this time of year. It is NOT a method I'd recommend for any but the most experienced gardener. You would also need to verify with your plant supplier as to whether or not any warranty would be invalidated by root washing - that clay rootball is there for a very specific purpose!!

When you plant anything with a heavy clay rootball - all B&B product - it is essential that the rootball be thoroughly hydrated before planting. Either water very well and slowly prior to planting or plunk the entire rootball into a wheelbarrow or large tub of water while you dig the planting holes. If the clay rootball is not properly hydrated before planting any watering you do after planting will just, run off and dissipate in to the local soil and never touch the root zone. This is one of the primary causes for failure of any B&B planted stock - a dry rootball that will be almost impossible to rewet once planted.
harpua728
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks. I'm not sure if the rootballs were soaked beforehand as I didn't see them being planted. However, whenever I reach down into the rootball it has been moist so I don't think (or at least hope not) that it's repelling water.

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