When you plant a new tree in your yard, one of the most important things you have to take into consideration is how much water it needs. Over-watering new trees can be just as detrimental as under-watering, so getting the watering needs of your new tree correct will be essential for helping it thrive.
Consider the Type of Tree
One of the first things to consider when figuring out your tree’s watering needs is the type of tree you have. This is an important question to ask when you get a new tree, as different trees have different watering needs. Different species of trees will have different requirements when it comes to how frequently they need to be watered.
For example, desert trees like cacti and Joshua trees require very little water, while tropical trees like palms and mango trees need a lot of water. The best way to determine how much water your new tree needs is to consult a nursery or gardening expert. They will be able to give you specific watering instructions based on the type of tree you have.
Also read: Tree Trimming Season: Why trim trees in certain seasons?
Know Your Soil Type
Another factor to bear in mind when watering a tree is the type of soil that you are dealing with. Soil that is too wet or too dry can affect how quickly the tree will be able to take up the water, which can in turn put stress on the tree. Is your soil sandy, clay-like, or somewhere in between? Sandy soil holds less water and drains more quickly, while clay soil holds more water and drains more slowly.
Assuming you’re not sure of your soil type, you can perform a simple test: take a handful of soil and give it a squeeze. If it easily forms a ball, it’s likely clay, If it easily crumbles, it’s likely sandy. If it takes a little effort to form a ball and then crumbles easily, it’s somewhere in between.
Once you know your soil type, you can better gauge how much water your new tree needs. Sandy soil will require more frequent watering, while clay soil will need less. In general, newly planted trees should be watered once or twice a week, depending on the weather and your soil type. Be sure to check the soil before watering, and only water if the soil is dry. Over-watering can be just as harmful as under-watered, so it’s important to get it right.
If in doubt, you may want to consider checking out your local garden center for more advice.
Also read: Fruit Tree Maintenance
Watering New Trees Initially
Initial watering is an incredibly important part of successfully caring for a newly planted tree. It is vital to make sure that the root ball is kept moist, especially during the first few weeks of growth. This means regularly checking your tree for signs of dryness, such as wilting leaves or a brittle stem, and watering it frequently.
When a new tree is planted, it’s important to give it a thorough soaking to ensure that the roots are properly hydrated. For the first few weeks, it’s important to water the tree deeply two to three times a week. This means soaking the soil to a depth of around 12-18 inches. At this stage, avoid watering too frequently, as this can lead to problems such as root rot. Additionally, if there is a long period of rain or your tree is planted near a water source, you can reduce the need for additional watering.
Routine Watering
A newly planted tree needs more water than an established tree. A good rule of thumb is to give your tree approximately one inch of water per week, spread evenly across the drip line. During the first growing season, water your tree deeply and regularly to help it become established. After the first year, you can reduce the frequency of watering but continue to water deeply. Make sure to check your soil regularly to see if your tree is getting the water it needs. You can test the soil by digging it down 5cm or poking it with your finger: if it’s dusty and dry at the bottom, water it. If it’s damp, don’t.
A good time to water your plants is in the early morning before the sun warms the soil, followed by the night or late evening. Mulch also helps to help trap moisture and control weeds.
Also read: Tree Trimming Basics
Transplanting can be hard on a young tree. Many do not survive the shock of a transplant and water is the major cause. By taking the tips above into account, the odds of survival for newly planted trees are increased exponentially.
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