Tree watering in drought

13 July 2009

Posted by Cecilia under: Environment; Home .

Trees are slower to establish than most other landscape plants. That’s why they need special consideration when it comes to irrigation.

First of all, how you water a tree depends upon their age. Newly planted trees require more frequent watering than established trees. On the other hand, established trees need more water than younger trees. So while the older trees require less frequent waterings, the amount should be sufficient to promote healthy growth.

In times of drought trees should be given priority over other landscape plants. It takes an average of 20 years for a tree to reach maturity, therefore grasses and other plants which can recover faster should be the first ones left unwatered. During a drought the goal of irrigation is to sustain the life of a tree. An amount sufficient to keep the tree alive, rather than for growth, should be given. Don’t forget to stop all irrigation during precipitation and water less thereafter - as long as the soil remains moist.

Newly planted trees normally require watering as often as twice a week. During a drought you can cut irrigation back to once a week by carefully monitoring the leaves for signs of drought stress such as wilt.

Established trees usually need watering once every two weeks during the growing season and only once a month during the dormant season. During a drought you can cut irrigation back to once every three weeks during summer.

It’s important to make certain that trees are watered sufficiently. The best way to determine if a tree needs to be watered is to use a metal soil probe. In dry soil the probe stops earlier than in moist soil. If the soil is only moist to a depth of 1 foot, keep watering.