Summer Watering Guide for Zone 7 | Campbell Ferrara Landscaping Tips

When the summer sun starts blazing down on your landscape in Zone 7a and 7b, the key to survival is proper watering. Whether you’re nurturing newly planted trees or maintaining a lush vegetable garden, understanding how, when, and how much to water can make all the difference. At Campbell Ferrara, our goal is to help you create and sustain an extraordinary landscape through every season, starting with smart, effective hydration strategies.

In this watering guide for Zone 7, we’ll walk you through how to determine the right amount of water your plants need, how to use a moisture meter for precise results, and how irrigation systems like soaker hoses and emitters can make your watering process easier and more efficient. Let’s get started!

1. Know How Much Water Your Plants Really Need

Watering isn’t just a routine; it’s a science. In Zones 7a and 7b, summer temperatures can spike unpredictably, and your landscape’s health depends on providing the correct amount of water, particularly for newly installed plantings.

One of the most essential principles is understanding the relationship between the root ball size and water requirements. Here’s the golden rule: one gallon of root ball equals one gallon of water per week. That means a 25-gallon tree should receive 25 gallons of water weekly, especially during the critical first few weeks after planting.

When our team of experts installs new plants or trees, we handle the initial watering to make sure they’re thoroughly hydrated from the start. From there, you’ll want to continue watering every 2 to 3 days, depending on the plant, its size, and the temperatures.

Pro Tips for Root Ball Watering:

Water at the base of the root ball, not the foliage. Watering leaves does little for root hydration and may even promote disease and leaf burn.
Use a slow and steady flow to avoid water runoff. The goal is to saturate the base so water seeps deep into the root zone.
Not sure how much water you’re really using? Time how long it takes to fill a 5-gallon bucket using your hose at standard flow. If it takes 1 minute, that’s 5 gallons per minute. This is perfect for calculating delivery to each plant.

Proper watering is critical for the transformation of your yard into a vibrant, healthy space. Just as a well-designed outdoor fireplace becomes a focal point for comfort and gathering, thoughtful irrigation becomes the foundation of a thriving, long-lasting landscape.

The same principle applies: thoughtful planning leads to lasting results.

Bonus: Don’t Forget the Lawn and Veggie Garden

Lawn Watering: For a thriving summer lawn, aim for about 1 inch of water per week, ideally delivered in one or two deep watering sessions to encourage deep roots. Early morning is best to reduce evaporation.
Vegetable Gardens: These are more sensitive. Tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuces need consistent moisture, especially in raised beds. Use mulch to retain soil moisture, and water early in the day directly at the base of each plant to prevent fungal issues.

To support all your plants, proper drainage is just as important as watering. For expert insights into preventing oversaturation, check out our blog: Keep Your Landscape Dry: Drainage Solutions for Your Patios, Walkways, and Garden Beds.

2. Using a Moisture Meter for Precision Moisture Control

Guesswork doesn’t cut it when it comes to watering. If you want to take the health of your trees, shrubs, and perennials seriously, a moisture meter is your best friend.

What Is a Moisture Meter?

A moisture meter is a simple probe that you insert into the soil to measure moisture levels. It operates on a 1 to 10 scale, where:

1–3 = dry
4–6 = moist
7–10 = wet

Your target moisture level is 7, which indicates your plant’s root ball is thoroughly hydrated but not oversaturated.

Now, let’s look at how a moisture meter works.

How to Use a Moisture Meter Properly:

Insert it deep into the root ball, not just the topsoil. Some plants may appear moist on the surface but be bone dry at the root level.
Test multiple points around the base, especially for larger root balls or newly installed trees. Moisture isn’t always uniform.
Take readings every few days, especially during heat waves or drought warnings.

You can find a moisture meter online or at your local garden center, including our own retail space at Campbell Ferrara.

Precision watering not only protects your investment but also reduces waste and ensures that your landscape design thrives even in summer extremes.

3. Irrigation Options: Soaker Hoses and Watering Emitters

Watering by hand has its charm, but smart landscapes are leaning into automation. Two of the most effective systems we recommend are soaker hoses and watering emitters (also called drip irrigation systems).

Soaker Hoses: Easy and Efficient

A soaker hose is a porous tube that delivers water slowly and directly to the soil. It snakes around your plants, gently saturating the base without spraying into the air.

Benefits:

Simple to install and reposition
Saves water by reducing evaporation
Works well for foundation plantings, hedges, and walkways lined with shrubs

Tips for Success:

Lay the hose around the drip line of each plant, not right up against the trunk.
Use a timer to automate watering sessions, ideally in the early morning or late afternoon.

Watering Emitters: Custom-Tuned Hydration

Drip irrigation systems with watering emitters offer a more targeted solution. These systems use tubes with adjustable emitters that release specific amounts of water, often ranging from 0.5 to 2 gallons per hour.

Why it Works:

Perfect for trees and large shrubs that require consistent, measured watering.
Easily scalable for large gardens or outdoor living spaces with dense planting zones.
Reduced fungal disease risk, thanks to dry foliage.

How to Choose the Right Emitter:

Match the gallon size of the root ball to your emitter rate. For example:

A 10-gallon plant with a 1 GPH (gallon-per-hour) emitter should run for 10 hours per week.
Use multiple emitters for larger trees to ensure even saturation.

Installation Tips:

Position emitters at several points around the root zone.
Periodically flush the system to prevent clogging.
Check filters and timers monthly to ensure consistent flow.

Both systems deliver efficient, targeted watering to keep your plants healthy through the hottest months. Whether you’re caring for ornamental beds, hedges, or newly planted trees, integrating smart irrigation solutions helps preserve the beauty of your space with minimal effort.

And when the sun goes down, well-placed landscape lighting and outdoor lighting can turn your hydrated, blooming garden into a stunning nighttime escape that is perfect for relaxation or outdoor entertainment.

Don’t Forget: Integration and Professional Support Matter

Every successful landscape design and hardscape design project we complete takes watering systems into account from the start. Whether you’re installing a pet-friendly garden, a new line of trees near your outdoor fireplace, or lighting along your walkways, water access and delivery methods are essential to long-term health.

Our landscape experts and hardscape experts can help integrate irrigation planning into your build or upgrade it as a standalone service. We understand the unique challenges of Zone 7’s summer weather, and we’ll tailor a system that keeps your plants thriving, so you can focus on enjoying your space.

From seasonal color to outdoor entertainment areas, water is the foundation that supports the beauty above ground. And just like choosing the right outdoor lighting sets the tone for your evening gatherings, the right watering system ensures your daytime view stays lush and green.

Conclusion: Keep Your Landscape Thriving This Summer

The summer season in Zone 7a and 7b can be stunning but only if your landscape is prepared. Whether you’re managing your watering manually or looking to automate with soaker hoses or emitters, understanding the watering guide for Zone 7 and staying proactive is the key to a healthy, beautiful yard.

Need help with installation or guidance? We’re here for you. Contact us today. Give us a call at (703) 354-6724 to schedule a consultation and speak with our team of experts. Let’s work together to create an outdoor living environment that not only looks spectacular but thrives all season long.