New tree from Arbor Day? Here's how to keep it healthy with watering
If you celebrated Arbor Day on Friday you may find yourself with a new tree to take care of. To give these trees a good start on life it’s important to understand their watering needs. Key factors to good watering include understanding how much and how often to water, type of soil and the planting environment.
Newly planted trees require more frequent watering than established trees since they have not had sufficient time to establish deep root systems. To foster healthier root systems, it is better to apply less water more frequently than to irrigate with large volumes of water infrequently. During establishment, irrigate trees two to three times weekly with 2 to 3 gallons per inch of trunk diameter. For example, a 2-inch tree would be watered with 4 to 6 gallons each watering. Water the ground evenly around the trunk and up to the tree’s dripline (outer edge of tree’s leaf canopy). Do not spray water directly onto the trunk or into the canopy of the tree. Leaves and trunks that remain wet can increase the chance of fungal or bacterial diseases. Watering in the early morning can prevent water from sitting on the foliage overnight.
Never apply irrigation if the soil is saturated, and make sure to move the irrigation outward as the tree grows to match the canopy of the tree. Overwatering trees can lead to damage or death. Plant roots require oxygen to breathe, and when soils are waterlogged, oxygen is limited, and roots are unable to grow and function. This can lead to root death and loss of the tree. A dry soil surface is not always a sign of water need and may not be a true indicator of what is going on down deep near the tree root. To tell if a tree needs water, feel the soil. Within the first 2 to 3 inches the soil should feel mildly moist.
Once the tree has become established, watering frequency can decrease and rainfall may be enough to support growth. For well-established trees, watering may only be needed during periods of drought. The time of year also will influence watering. Trees may require less frequent irrigation when planted in cooler temperatures or during the rainy season.
Watering may also need to be adjusted based on soil types. Sandy soil with little organic matter that drains well may need to be watered more frequently compared to loamy or muck soil types that retain water longer. In soil types where water drains quickly, incorporating organic matter, such as compost, can increase their water holding capacity.
Frequency of watering also will be influenced by where the tree is planted and what is planted around it. Hotter, windier and full-sun areas will require more watering than cool, protected, shady areas. Planting trees in groups or amongst other shrubs can offer protection from sun and wind exposure. Applying mulch around the tree also can help reduce water evaporation from the soil while also helping to prevent weeds.
Most water-related problems with plants can be eliminated by making simple changes to your watering practices. Learning to water efficiently and effectively is not only good for your trees but also good for the environment and helps us conserve one of Florida’s most precious resources, water.
To learn more about managing your Florida landscape, reach out to UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County’s office to speak with a Master Gardener Volunteer at 955-2402 or mag@alachuacounty.us, or visit Alachua County’s Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program webpage at bit.ly/AlachuaFFL.
Dr. Cynthia Nazario-Leary is the Environmental & Community Horticulture Extension Agent for UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County. Contact her at cnazarioleary@ufl.edu or 955-2402.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Dr. Cynthia Nazario-Leary: Watering tips for healthy trees
