The most important factor in caring for your newly planted tree is watering. Watering too frequently or watering with too much water is as injurious as under-watering. All trees benefit more from infrequent deep watering as opposed to frequent light watering. The first thing to do is check how moist the soil is around the root ball. Pull away some mulch and dig down into the soil 4-6" alongside the root ball. If the soil is wet or moist, do not water. If the soil feels cool to the touch but not yet dry, it's time to water. If you wait until the soil is dry and crumbly, the soil will have a hard time absorbing the water you apply and your tree might have already started to become stressed.
By following the above method, your tree might stay moist for up to 2 weeks. Sandy or well drained soils, periods of warm weather, or other factors might increase the need to water. By checking your soil frequently in the beginning, you will be able to determine the watering schedule that works best for your tree. In winter months, the natural rainfall should be sufficient for even newly installed trees.
If it has been determined that the tree needs some water, we offer the following methods:
- Place a garden hose about 12" or so from the trunk of the tree.
- Adjust the water flow until it is trickling the size of a pencil or pen.
- Let the water run for 30-45 minutes (for very large trees, do this on both sides of the tree).
Always remember:
- Take into account how much Mother Nature has provided, but never count on her to provide enough.
- In-ground irrigation systems are nice, but are usually geared to turf, which has different water requirements.
- And finally, it can take 2-3 seasons for a newly planted tree to become established. Until then, it will need your help.
