Watering your trees correctly is one of the best ways to keep them healthy and stress free. Normally you do not need to water your trees, but summer will be here soon, and drought-like conditions can occur. Additional watering will be needed to keep mature trees healthy and maximize the growth of young trees. Mature trees will need watering every 7-10 days and young trees 3 times a week in hot and dry weather. Here are some tips to ensure your trees survive the summer.
- Check the soil to determine if the tree needs watering by pushing a long screwdriver into the soil. If it is hard to push at least 3 inches deep, then it is time to water.
- Water before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. to prevent evaporation and ensure the tree gets the most moisture.
- Established trees need 10 gallons of water for each inch of the tree’s diameter at knee height.
- Water the area beneath your mature tree’s canopy and beyond to ensure the roots are getting moisture. Young trees will need to be watered closer to the trunk because the roots have not ventured outward yet.
- Watering too close to a mature tree’s trunk can cause it to rot.
- Water at the soil level so that the roots can absorb it.
- A slow and steady soak will maximize the amount of water absorbed.
- Apply mulch 2-4 inches deep to help retain moisture and regulate the soil temperature. It will reduce evaporation from the soil and prevent grass and weeds from getting too close. Make sure the mulch does not touch the tree trunk.
- Water your trees in the winter during dry spells when the air and soil temperatures are above 40°F.
It is important for the soil around your tree to be consistently moist. Completely dry or soggy soil can stress your tree which makes it more susceptible to diseases and infestations. Call Integrity Tree Care to determine if a stressed tree needs to be removed.
