Summer is ending, but the rainy season isn't here yet! Trees need the right amount of water year round to remain healthy. Use these quick tips to up your watering game!

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Quick Rules of Thumb

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    When you water, use low flow and water in the early morning or late evening.

  2. Water until the upper 12" of soil are moist. This is where most absorbing tree roots are.
  3. Water over the entire root area if possible.
  4. Avoid wetting the trunk and leaves to prevent moisture-loving diseases.
  5. Water until soil is moist, and allow it to dry in between irrigations.
  6. Check irrigation systems regularly.

 

Watering Newly Planted Trees
New trees, just like babies, need a little more TLC. Water properly to establish a healthy, deep root system, which will reduce watering needs in the future!

How Often?

  • First 3 months: water 2x a week.
  • After 3 months: water 1x a week until roots are established (up to 2 yrs).

How Much?

  • Apply 2-3 gallons of water each time.
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Watering Established Trees
Exact watering requirements vary with tree species, climate, soil type, and site conditions. There isn't one rule for how you should water, but use the tips below as a guideline. And remember to check on your tree and the soil. Watering is an art as much as it is a science!

How Often?

  • Hot, dry weather: water about 2x a month.
  • Cool weather: water about 1x a month.

How Much?

  • Small trees: 15-20 gal each time
  • Large trees: 30-40 gal each time

Not Sure If You've Watered Enough?
You can always have too much of a good thing! Watering is great, but overwatering can stress the tree just as much as underwatering. If you're not sure, here's how to check:

  • Dig a hole in the soil about 6-9" deep. If it's completely dry, water the tree.
  • Stick a long screw driver into the soil. If the soil is hard, and no moist soil clumps stick to the screw driver, time to water.
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Did You Mulch?
We can't sing the praises of mulch enough! Mulch imitates the natural forest, where organic matter is retained on the soil. This is way better than gravel or lawn, which competes with trees for water. Mulch retains soil moisture and suppresses pesky weeds that fight the tree for water, so you can water LESS and still have a healthy tree!

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About the Author:

Sophia Huang is a Certified Arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). She also holds a Qualified Applicator License (QAL) from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. Sophia received a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences from Santa Clara University, CA. Discovering her passion for urban trees, she went on to earn a Master of Science in Environmental Horticulture from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. Her studies and research focused on urban tree identification, biology pedagogy, and using leaf traits as predictors of tree drought tolerance. She has peer-reviewed publications in The American Biology Teacher and Urban Forestry and Urban Greening. 

Sophia joined the A Plus Tree team in 2019 as an Urban Forest Specialist and is now their Marketing and Education Leader. Her role includes training the team and educating clients on urban tree care – tree pruning, planting, removals, pests, diseases, fertilizers, irrigation, and more! She also writes for the A Plus Tree blog and helps run their Tree Health Care program. 

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