Our most frequently asked question is “How much should I water my tree?” This is a great question and depends on the soil condition, temperature, location, competition, and tree species. To help with this, we put together some detailed general watering guidelines to help ensure your tree gets off to a good start.
How much water depends on the weather, if it rains, you may not need to water that day or for a few days. Determine the soil moisture around the tree and if wet, back off on watering that day and check the next. Some general recommendations for how often and how much water are below.
- Freshly planted trees require watering immediately after planting and every day after for up to 1-2 weeks. The first watering (at planting time) should be greater than than the following days. This soaks the soil around the rootball and washes loose dirt into any voids left over from planting. Water 3 gallons per inch of tree diameter making sure that all the water soaks in around the rootball, water slowly! If the soil is dry, the site is in the wind, or other trees and shrubs are close by and competing – then water 6 gallons per inch. Do this until your soil is moist when you test the following day after planting.
- 3-12 weeks after planting, back off on watering to 3-5 gallons every 2-3 days.
- 12 weeks after planting, water 5 gallons weekly. Remember if it rains, you can back off. Trees (especially evergreens) need moisture until the ground freezes. Windburn can occur if the tree does not have enough moisture going into winter.
Soil types
The kind of soil your tree is planted in is important. Soil has a natural texture, it is defined by the makeup of its components, and that texture determines how fast water will run through it or be absorbed.
- Sandy soil drains water very fast, sometimes so fast that the roots can’t take up all the moisture they need.
- Clay soil can be very slow to absorb water and will hold water for long periods of time. Clay soil can become waterlogged, essentially drowning your tree. Your tree needs to be able to breathe and too much water prevents that!
- Loam soil has great water holding capacity for most landscape plants and is ideal for most trees.
Ideas for watering:
- Tree bags work well as they water the tree slowly and uniformly around the entire tree.
- 5-gallon bucket with holes drilled in the bottom is another way, keep the holes small enough to allow the water to soak away slowly and move the bucket around the tree every time you water to ensure the entire root zone is receiving water.
- Lawn hose – the water should come out slowly so it does not run off.
- Water tank method – again, the water should come out slowly so it does not run off.
- Soaker Hose – determine the time by checking moisture level.
- Drip line – determine by checking moisture level, 2-3 times per week are normal depending on gpm (gallon per minute) of dripper and time on. Installing a water timer can be helpful to not over or underwater. Great for vacation time. Make sure you have it programmed correctly and it’s working properly.
Tip: Berm up the extra soil from digging the hole around the tree, this should be at the same diameter as the hole was dug. This will act as a natural dam to keep the water from running off. Especially important with hillside plantings. Example in the picture below.
In addition to watering:
A 3″ layer of organic mulch like woodchips helps regulate the soil temperature by providing insulation. The mulch helps control weeds that take moisture away from the tree and slows the water evaporation from the soil. Keep the mulch no thicker than 3″, and don’t let it touch the tree trunk. Monitor the mulch for this, if it settles next to the tree trunk too long, it will rot out the tree in that spot.
There is no set rate for watering. Always check soil moisture in between waterings to verify the soil moisture level. Each scenario is different but by following the general information provided, you will be off to a great start!