How to Water Trees Properly?

Though in-ground sprinkler systems can do a good job of offering water to smaller landscape elements and turfgrass, trees require particular attention and care whenever it comes to watering.

Unfortunately, almost every sprinkler system does not offer enough water in the correct places to keep big trees hydrated. However, adding a simple soaker or garden hose to your watering routine can help in maintaining the health of your trees during the hottest season of the year. The ideal technique of watering varies on the tree’s size and age.

If you need help determining how to water your tree properly, you can always ask a tree service company for help.

How Should You Water a Newly Planted Tree?

For those who don’t know, a new tree is already in a susceptible condition. It is already stressed by the process of transplantation. Even when planted properly, a young tree can suffer easily to over- or under-watering.

You want to ideally keep the whole root zone moist. However, it shouldn’t be soggy.

• Make sure you adapt accordingly your watering routine as the weather changes.

The correct watering schedule for your newly-planted tree varies on:

• Weather
• Other plants competing for the water
• How well your soil drains
• The soil’s composition.

You should examine the soil near the root area every 2-3 days for moisture after the initial watering.

• Wait for 1 to 2 days and check again if the soil is still wet.
• Water again if the soil is dry.
• You’ve got to feel how wet the soil is to a depth of 1 to 1 ½ foot. You can use a screwdriver to test the soil’s firmness. However, it is best to use your hands to feel the moisture.
• You shouldn’t be scared to get your hands dirty.

Water all around the tree’s root area using a garden hose. This will help you start.

• You might have a tiny basin around the trunk if the tree has been mulched properly.
• Fill that spot and allow the water to soak it. Then, fill that spot again.

Newly-planted trees need more water compared to old and developed trees.

• To determine properly the ideal watering schedule for the trees, it can take some time.

Can You Water a Tree Too Much?

Both old and young trees can be stressed by too much water and less water. The indications of under-watering can sometimes be mistaken for over-watering.

The visible activity of fungi like mushrooms on the tree’s trunk or base is a certain indication that there’s too much water present.

• Yellowing leaves can be an indication of both under- and over-watered trees.

There’s a possibility that your tree has been over-watered if the leaves are leather instead of dry or they’re difficult to pull off from the tree.

• The major indication of over-watering is soggy soil.

The soil is waterlogged if there is standing water or if you can feel a squishy ground. It will take some time to dry out.