Certified Arborist Practice Test

Watering plants effectively is best achieved during the early morning and late evening. This timing takes advantage of cooler temperatures and reduced sunlight, which minimizes evaporation rates. In the early morning, plants have time to absorb the water before the heat of the day sets in, promoting better root hydration and overall plant health. Similarly, watering in the late evening allows moisture to soak into the soil overnight, providing plants with access to water during the warmest parts of the day without significant loss to evaporation. Watering during midday, when temperatures are high and the sun is at its peak, can lead to rapid evaporation, meaning that much of the water applied never reaches the plant roots. While watering after sunset can be beneficial as well, it often misses the early morning window when plants can benefit most from the moisture. Thus, early morning and late evening stand out as the most effective times for watering.