Watering Trees and Shrubs
How much you need to water your trees and shrubs depends on several factors: plant species, current soil moisture, soil texture (sand, loam, clay), and drainage. The amount of air in the soil is as important as moisture and these elements must be kept in balance for optimum plant health.
It is important to water plants carefully. Too much water, or not enough water, can cause plants harm and sometimes be fatal.
Only Supplement Nature If Necessary
If your plants are planted in a high clay content soil, they should receive approximately one inch of water every week during the growing season. If nature provides this amount, there is no need to water. Water should be provided slowly and thoroughly, without run-off. If your soil texture is sandy, it will need more water more often than a clay soil. Clay soils have a high water-holding capacity and may only need to be watered during very dry periods. If your soil is compacted, watering will be more difficult and soil aeration may be needed.
Over-Watering is a Common Problem
Do not water too frequently. Watering too often is a common mistake and can be easily done with automatic sprinkler systems. Short, frequent watering encourages absorbing roots to concentrate near the soil surface. Over watering does this too, when the soil becomes saturated. Over-watering can also reduce soil oxygen and leach nutrients so they move below the root zone. There are some ways to help you determine when it is time to water. Contact your RYAN Certified Arborist if you have questions.
Where and How to Water Trees
Newly Planted Trees: Provide a slow trickle near the base of the tree with a garden hose. Move the location of the hose periodically until the soil in the plant’s root zone is thoroughly soaked.
Mature Trees: Water mature trees under the branches using a sprinkler. We recommend a rotating sprinkler or a soaker hose turned upside down. Move the location of the sprinkler periodically to prevent runoff and to reach all roots. Water until the soil in the plant’s root zone is thoroughly soaked.
Do not water a mature tree at its base. See drawing at right to see the proper watering zone. Few absorbing roots are next to the base of a larger tree, and excessive moisture there can provide a good environment for decay-causing fungi.