Prioritize your springtime watering needs outdoors.  Now is a great time for you to prioritize the watering needs of all outdoor plants and trees.  Take the time to determine which area of your yard needs the most water.

Newly planted tress, shrubs, and lawns should receive the first priority when it comes to determining the need for water.  While most plants and bushes are not planted until spring, those planted the previous year may not have time to develop extensive root systems.  They usually depend only on surface water for their survival.  Even during drought conditions, newly planted trees and shrubs can be over watered.  Excess water can flood the root systems by replacing the oxygen with water.  Check the root zone moisture by probing the soil with a metal rod, or pipe.  For lawns, trees and shrubs a simple electronic probe can help measure soil moisture and indicate when you should water.  You can also insert a screwdriver into the soil as a simple gauge.  On automatic sprinkler systems, install a moisture sensor.  This is a probe placed in the ground that determines when the soil needs water and then turns on the sprinkler.

Young trees and shrubs do not have as developed root system as their older counterparts and will require more water as a result.  During severe drought conditions, plants and trees up to six years of age may require additional watering during this time.

As the spring time approaches, a healthy and well maintained lawn becomes a focus.  Lawns can tolerate long periods of drought by becoming dormant.  Because a 2,500 sq. foot lawn needs up to 3,000 gallons of water per week to stay green -  an expensive undertaking -  it is easier to let lawns sleep through the drought than to waste water, money and effort.  Be sure to reduce foot traffic during this time.  Avoid walking on grass during periods of drought tress.  If mowing becomes necessary, mow lawns as little as possible during droughts to avoid additional stress, and cut as the highest possible setting.  Never remove more that 1/3 of the leaf blade in on mowing.  Allow mulched clippings to remain on the lawn to help cool the soil and retain moisture.