Need Texas Privet information

[silvercbx]

I have 11 Texas Privet bushes in a row and need some information about their root system. I have been told they have a shallow rooting and then told they have a deep rooting ( a little conflict there). I bought a soil tester for moisture and need to know how deep to probe for moisture so I don’t over-or-under water them. So, how deep should I probe for the correct reading? I was told by the guy who planted them to ‘flood’ the basin around the bush and let it soak down - every two or three days. That worked fine, they are healthy and growing great but now I need to back off and regulate the watering according to ‘need’ (I think).
Thanks for opinions and help.
Jim Bigger

 

[Meadowlark]

Welcome @silvercbx

Our Texas privet sports an extensive fibrous root system that typically reaches depths of 12-18 inches and can spread laterally up to 3-4 feet.

Shallow or deep I guess it depends on your prospective.

 

[cpp gardener]

In your area, watering twice a week should be sufficient as long as it’s a good, deep soak. Maybe once a week in Fall/Winter if it doesn’t rain.

 

[oneeye]

Hello friend, you only need to water when the soil dries out on top. Use a hand cultivator and loosen the soil around one plant, and feel the soil. You don't want to keep the soil wet or too dry for an extended period of time. The best practice when your plants are established is to allow wet to dry cycles. During the wet periods, the plants take nutirents and in the dry times the plants take oxygen and release gases. I use a probe to dig about 12 inchs to feel the soil before watering.

 

[DirtMechanic]

Lol yall I use my finger! Seriously-a probe in the ground? For EC, pH I get it.