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alexh1000

Improving Moisture Distribution

alexh1000
13 years ago

Hi,

I use woodpecker emitters for landscape plants and drip line tubing for smaller perennials and have had no problems with this system.

I recently planted a bed with David Austin roses arranged in tight groups of 3 as recommended. I have 2, 2 gal/hr emitters per plant providing about 3-4 gal per plant per week. They did great in the spring but seemed to languish in the summer. When I dig down 4" into the soil at the rose dripline but 1' from the emitter the soil is very dry. The drip tubing is about 1-2' from the rose dripline so it's not really contrbuting. My soil is well draining and is well mulched.

I assume it's desireable to have moist soil around the entire rose because I believe there are shallow roots in addition to the tap roots. I could place 4, 1 gal/hr woodpeckers per plant or I could add drip line around each plant. The latter solution is quite a bit more work. What is the typical arrangement for roses?

Thanks