If you have some newly planted trees that you want to see grow big and strong, it's important to water them deeply. Here's our favorite ways for doing just that and why.
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What should I use to water my trees deeply?
- SmartSpring Tree watering bags (our favorite option for big trees throughout the yard)
- Hose with drip lines (best for long lines of trees or border trees)
- Garden hose
1.Tree Watering Bags
Our favorite way to water trees are with these 30 day tree watering bags from Smart Spring. As the name suggests, they hold enough water to water your tree for 30 days.
They can also self-fill as it rains, meaning less work for you!
2.Hose with drip irrigation
If you have a long line of smaller trees, using a hose with drip irrigation is the next best thing! Ours is hooked up to our faucet so we turn them on and they will run ½ gallon per hour.
These will usually take a long time to install, and unfortunately not animal-proof. We have some animals that keep biting big holes into ours.
3.Garden hose
A garden hose works great too, but in the long run we prefer a watering bag or hose with drip lines because your time is valuable. Watering trees all day just isn't as fun as it sounds, especially in the summer heat.
How much to water new trees?
The first year you plant trees, will be most you ever water them.
- Water tree every day for first 2 weeks after planting.
- Then, water every 2-3 days for 10 weeks.
- When tree is 12 weeks, water once a week.
This gives them plenty of water to let the roots grow and get established.
How much to water established trees?
3 years after planting your tree, it's considered established. From here, you should water them based on how thick the trunk of the tree is.
- 10 gallons of water per inch of tree trunk diameter (according to Arbor day Foundation)
- 1-2 times a month (depending on your climate, weather and soil)
Why is watering deeply so important?
When you water a tree deeply and less frequently, it gives the soil a chance to drain and soak in the water which helps train the roots to grow down towards the water.
When you water too often with little amounts, the roots remain shallow since that's where the water is.
Watering trees FAQ
Yes! Ideally you want the soil to drain the water before watering again. This makes the roots of the tree grow down into the soil.
If the soil stays too moist, the roots will remain shallow.
Using a watering bag, drip irrigation, or garden hose, you should water a newly planted tree every day for the first 1-2 weeks.
Then, you can water every 2-3 days for the next couple of months. Just make sure to keep an eye on the soil, tree, and how much rain you have gotten.
Morning is the best time to water trees, plants, and flowers. This lets the water have a chance to absorb into the roots and the sun will help dry up any extra.
This is also important because watering at night can lead to fungal growth and root rot, which can wreak havoc on trees!
Absolutely! Tree watering bags are great because they will gradually let out enough water for your tree, and this one will hold enough water for 30 days.
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