One of the most important parts of tree care that people often get wrong is watering the trees. The difference between plants that are weak and stressed and those that are lush and healthy can be determined by knowing how to water trees. Getting the balance right is important for keeping your garden healthy and beautiful all year, whether you're taking care of young trees or old ones.
We help gardeners and homeowners make choices that will work out well in the long run at TN Nursery. Proper watering helps plants have strong roots that don't get diseases and grow at the same rate every season. The essentials of tree watering best practices, such as when, how, and how much to water, are covered in this book, along with some advice from our nursery professionals.
Young Trees Need More Water Than Older Trees
During their first few growing seasons, trees that were just planted need extra care. Because their roots are still growing, they are more likely to be hurt by dryness. This is the first rule of a good young tree watering guide:
- Make sure the dirt is always damp, but not soggy.
- Water slowly and deeply in this way the roots can grow down instead of staying close to the ground.
- Stick your finger a few inches below the top of the soil to see how wet it is. It's time to water if it feels dry.
- To spread the water evenly, use a drip hose or a soaker device.
For example, the best way to get a Plum Tree started is to give it deep watering twice or three times a week for the first year. This helps the tree's roots stay put, which makes it ready for dry times in later years.
Don't forget that young trees need to be watered often, especially during their first two summers. After that, as the roots get deeper, you can slowly lower the frequency.
When and How to Water Newly Planted Trees
The best time to learn how to water trees is when they are first planted. Soak the dirt completely right after planting to help the roots settle and get rid of any air pockets. Then, make a watering plan based on the weather and type of dirt.
A quick young tree watering guide is provided below:
- Sandy soil needs light watering often because it drains quickly.
- Clay soil: It keeps water for longer, so water it less often but more deeply.
- Loamy soil: water once or twice a week, based on how much rain falls.
To minimise loss when watering trees in summer, water them in the morning or late at night. Trees that were just planted may need up to 10 gallons of water every week for every inch of trunk width.
If you plant something beautiful like a Pink Dogwood, make sure it gets enough water so its soft pink flowers stay bright all spring and summer. Don't water from above; instead, water right at the roots, where it works best.
Watering Established Trees: Schedule and Techniques
As trees get older, they rely on roots that have already grown to find water deeper in the ground. That doesn't mean you should ignore them, though. When you water established trees the right way, they can handle heat, wind, and occasional drought.
Here are some easy ways to take care of your trees:
- Give it a lot of water once every 7–10 days when it's dry.
- When you water, focus on the drip line of the tree because that's where feeder roots are most active.
- Spread out the water by using a soaker hose or a tree ring method.
- Cover the roots with 2 to 3 inches of organic matter to keep the soil wet and even out the temperature.
Do not water the tree's trunk immediately. Instead, focus on the upper root zone, which is where most of the plant's water and nutrients are absorbed. This method of deep tree watering promotes robust growth.
Best Time to Water Trees
When it comes to tree watering, timing is crucial. Late at night, after the sun goes down, or early in the morning, before 9 a.m., is the best time to water trees. During these cooler hours, water can get to the roots before the sun makes it evaporate faster.
If it's hot outside, you might need to change your plans. Watering trees in summer should be done a little more frequently, but still deeply and consistently. Do not water too quickly or too shallowly, as this makes the roots weak.
Watering trees in winter may still be important, particularly in dry areas, during the colder months. For example, evergreen plants lose water through their leaves all year long and need extra watering when the ground isn't frozen.
A good rule of thumb is to give your trees a slow, deep soak every few weeks if it's above 40°F during the day and the ground isn't frozen.
Tree Watering in Different Seasons
Every season, trees need different things. Here's how it works:
Spring
- Focus on deep watering to help trees emerge from dormancy
- Rainfall may reduce the need for supplemental watering
Summer
- Prioritize consistent watering trees in summer to combat heat stress
- Add mulch to conserve moisture
Fall
- Gradually reduce watering as trees prepare for dormancy, but keep soil slightly moist until first frost
Winter
- Follow the watering trees in winter approach if conditions are dry. This prevents root dehydration
- For long-term growth and resilience, make sure your tree watering plan takes these yearly changes into account
Common Mistakes in Tree Watering
It is easy to either overwater or drown your trees, even if you mean to do the right thing. This is what you should not do:
- Giving plants a lot of shallow watering: Roots stay close to the surface, which makes them more likely to dry out.
- Too much watering: This causes root rot and a lack of nutrients.
- Ignoring the mulch: Trees are put under unnecessary stress when bare soil loses water more quickly.
- Watering the trunk: Being in direct touch with water can lead to rot and pest problems.
If you stick to a balanced tree watering plan, you can avoid these common mistakes and enjoy a beautiful landscape for years to come.
FAQs
What are the best tree watering practices?
To encourage healthy root growth, water deeply and not too often. Don't water right at the trunk; always water at the drip line.
What is the correct watering schedule for mature trees?
During dry times water deeply every 7-10 days but this can change depending on the weather and the land.
How often should you water the trees?
New trees may need to be watered twice or three times a week, but older trees need less frequent but deeper waterings.
What is the best way to water a tree?
Slowly and deeply water plants with soaker hoses or drip irrigation to make sure the water gets to all of the roots.
Why is deep watering the root zone important?
Deep watering helps trees build strong root systems that make them more resistant to drought and better for their general health.
