How to properly water your trees

If your wondering how you should water your trees more efficiently, you've come to the right place. we've put together a small list to help you better take care of your trees!


When should you water your tree?


During a summer afternoon, up to half of the water can be lost due to evaporation. The best time to water is earlier in the morning or later in the evening when everything is nice and cool, this way the roots have a better chance to absorb most of the water.
Unfortunately, there’s no magic schedule for watering trees. How often you should water will depend on the size of your tree, the soil conditions, and weather conditions. Younger trees (especially ones just planted) require a lot more water than established trees.
The best way to determine when trees need water is to check the soil. What you’re aiming for is a nice moist feel, not soggy. In the absence of rain or natural moisture, check the soil with a garden shovel at about two inches of depth. If the soil is dry to the touch, your tree needs water.


How much you should use.


The rule for established trees is 10 gallons of water for each inch of the tree’s diameter. You can use a ruler/ tape measure to measure or just use your best guess.



Deeper is Better


One of the most important things to know about watering your trees is “how”. Deeper and slower is your best bet when watering, which is why drip lines are the great method of watering (although spray from a garden hose will certainly work). Drip irrigation also loses less water to evaporation compared with overhead watering or sprinkler systems.
Watering deeper into the soil allows the critical root zone to take up a lot of moisture. When setting up a drip line, be sure it extends to the entire area beneath the tree’s overall canopy and to a depth of about 10 inches if possible.


Consistency


If you allow your soil to completely dry out, or you constantly have the ground soaked, that will cause the tree to stress. When a tree is stressed it's more likely to catch a disease or get infected. Keeping the soil at a constant moist level (again, not soaked) is essential to a healthy tree.


Choosing the Right Species


In regions where drought is typical, choose drought-tolerant species when planting new trees. Drought-tolerant trees are adapted to dry climates and will not only grow better but help you to conserve water as well.


Newly Planted Trees


Young trees are still establishing their root systems and therefore need more water. Water newly planted trees once a day for the first couple of weeks after planting, and once a week after that during the growing season.


Remember to check the soil before watering to ensure you are not overdoing it, a simple feel on the ground should give you a good idea as to how much, or how little water your tree needs. Once the roots begin to extend beyond the root ball, you can water on a normal schedule.


Mulch is Your Best Friend


Mulch is a great way to keep the soil from drying out quickly, especially during any extreme heat. Applying mulch will help conserve moisture and regulate the soil temperature. Hint. If you ever use our tree stump removal service you can use the mulch we make! Just ask us and we will be happy to leave all you want. Learn more here about choosing the right mulch


Water Year Round


Make sure to water your treeing during the winter. Just because they are dormant doesn’t mean your trees aren’t growing! Preferably you should water when air and soil temperatures are above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Your trees will thank you later :)