Too often drought-tolerant plants succumb to inadequate water during the initial year in the landscape. A watering schedule for the first 12 months helps these plants become “established†– growing root systems to make the most of limited soil moisture. Most perennials, shrubs and trees planted this month need to be watered to wet the root ball every other day, more often during hot spells, for the first two weeks. Then water once or twice a week, cutting back when it rains, but resuming if rainfall is sparse or intermittent. In the months to come, water deeply to reach expanding root systems but gradually reduce the frequency while always adjusting during heat extremes. In a year’s time, these plants will be well on the way to being water wise.