Watering is the most important aspect to the successful establishment of newly planted trees and shrubs. Depending on the size of the tree, regular watering may be required for several years. Newly planted trees of any variety are very susceptible to drying out while their roots are getting established.

 

The amount and frequency of watering depends on several factors:

• Rainfall - Generally one inch a week will meet most needs

• Soil type and drainage - Sandy soils leach water faster than clay

• Temperature - Cooler weather reduces water requirements

• Wind - Warm windy days increases transpiration (water loss thru leaves).

 

A typical watering schedule for Spring and Fall plantings might be:

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Week 1 - Every other day around the root ball

Weeks 2-4 - Three times per week around the root ball.

Weeks 5-12 - Two times per week around the root ball. 

Then water once per week (or until the ground freezes) for a year, all the way out to the tree canopy.

 

For fall plantings continue the watering thru the next growing season.

Larger trees require watering for more years, before letting nature take over. It takes about 1 year per inch of tree caliper for a tree to re-gain its root system.

 

For summer plantings in hot weather, water daily for the first week, and every other day for the next two weeks.

 

As a general rule, a newly planted tree needs 5 Gallons per week, plus 5-7 gallons per inch of caliper. So a 2" caliper tree needs 15-20 gallons per week.

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Small shrubs need 3+ gallons per week, while larger ones need 5-6 gallons

 

Water delivery:

Lawn sprinkler systems are not apt to provide a deep enough watering for trees and shrubs. If you cannot hand water, Use soaker hoses or a slow trickle from a hose. Measure the time it takes to fill a gallon bucket. Alternatively, drill 2-3 1/8 inch holes in the bottom of a 5 gallon bucket, fill and place over the root ball. Water at a slow rate. Use a wood dowel or dig down a few inches at the root ball to determine if it is dry. Don't water if the soil is still moist. Overwatering can harm plants by depriving them of oxygen.