How Often Should I Water My Tree?

One of the most important things you can do to help your tree live a long, happy life is to make sure it is getting adequate water.  

As a rule of thumb, newly planted trees should be watered up to twice a week for the first month, then every 7 to 10 days thereafter for the first two years after planting.  A great way to water small trees is by using a water bag.  The green bag is placed around the trunk of the tree and the two sides are zipped together so the bag stays on the tree.  The bag is then filled with water that will slow release over the course of several hours.  This deeply waters the tree and makes it easy to know how much water the tree has received.  Bags can be purchased online or at your local tree nursery.  Alternatively, running a garden hose at a slow trickle around the tree will also provide a slow, deep watering.

Depending on rainfall amounts and lawn irrigation your tree’s watering needs may vary.  If it has recently rained or your lawn is frequently irrigated, it is a good idea to check the soil around the tree to determine if the soil is moist.  In the absence of rain or moisture, check the soil with a garden trowel to a depth of two inches. If the soil is dry to the touch, your tree needs water.  Too much water can cause root rot and could result in the death of the tree.  On the contrary, not enough water can also result in the death of the tree.  Trees generally need about 10 gallons of water per week for every 1 inch of tree caliper.  Keeping the soil consistently moist is the best recipe for success. 

For information on watering established trees read on for tips published by the University of Minnesota Extension.