How Wet or Dry Is Your Site?

Some plants love wet soil, while others need drier ground. Think about your site after it rains: Does water pool and stay for a while (wet), drain away quickly (dry), or does it stay in between (mesic)? If your site has standing water for much of the year or is a shoreline, it may qualify as an aquatic condition. Choose the option that fits your site best.

Dry A system in which the soil, for several reasons, perhaps type (sand), is susceptible to more arid moisture levels. Rarely to never will the soil ever achieve saturation. Mesic A system with average soil moisture, in which saturation may be reached during periods of heavy rainfall and/or post snowmelt. Wet A system in which the soil moisture levels are high and often saturated. However, there is only standing water for short periods of time. Flood plains often fit this category. Aquatic A system with nearly to full water submersion. The soil moisture levels are always high, except for perhaps in drought conditions.