Watering Newly Planted Trees
Watering consistency is the primary factor that determines a tree’s survival. There are several different watering tools available to aid in watering but in general, you should water at the rate of 10 gallons per inch of trunk caliper twice a week during the growing season. For example, a two-inch diameter tree should receive 20 gallons of water, twice per week. During the dormant season (when the leaves have dropped) trees should be watered at the same rate but only once per month when temperatures reach 40 degrees or above. Direct the water to the root ball and water slowly to prevent runoff. Trees prefer to be watered less frequently but with greater volume.
Watering Methods for Newly Planted Trees
Tree Watering Bags
Tree watering bags or water bladders are common and very helpful tools to assist in watering newly planted trees. All Rooted in Cheyenne trees are provided with a watering bag which holds 15 gallons of water. Keeping in mind that the general rule for watering newly planted trees is 10 gallons per inch of trunk caliper. A watering bag should be filled twice per week during the growing season and once a month during the dormant season when temperatures reach 40 degrees or above. Be sure to check your watering bag and bladders for their water capacity. Watering bags provided by Rooted in Cheyenne have a tag at the top of the bag; beneath this tag is an opening to fill the bag. (see watering FAQs for a picture).
Drip Irrigation
Drip Irrigation is a great option for watering newly planted trees because less water is lost to evaporation, and water is applied slowly to reduce runoff. All drip irrigation shall be placed on top of the root ball and have a minimum of two emitters or bubblers placed of opposite sides of the stem or drip tubing rings (preferred) spread evenly around the root ball.
Hand Watering
Hand Watering with a hose should be provided at a slow rate to ensure the water soaks into the ground and does not runoff. Direct the water to the root ball and consider building an earthen berm around the root ball if there is leftover soil when planting. This helps ensure the water goes directly to the roots.
Watering Established Trees
An established tree, 3 years or older requires 10 gallons of water per inch of diameter once per week. For example, a 4-inch tree needs 40 gallons of water per week during the growing season. During the dormant season or winter months established trees should be watered at the same rate once a month when the temperatures reach over 40 degrees.
Sprinkler Irrigation
A lawn sprinkler system can be used as another tool for watering established trees. Keep in mind, turf and tree roots are in the same rooting area and are using/sharing the same water supply. To ensure water gets to the tree roots, water less frequently but for longer periods. For example, instead of watering every other day for 10 minutes, consider watering twice a week for 30 minutes. In general, trees and shrubs require about 1/2 – 1 inch of water weekly but this may differ depending on your soil type.
Drip Irrigation
Drip irrigation is a great option for watering established trees. Drip irrigation should provide water from the stem out to the drip line. The drip line is a ring around the tree at the outermost part of the canopy. Several drip irrigation systems can be utilized for established trees, however, make sure your system can be expanded as the roots extend further from the stem. Drip rings for instance, allow for additional rings to be installed as the roots grow.
Hand Watering
Hand watering established trees should be done from the stem out to the drip line. Applying water slowly to avoid runoff and allowing the water to soak in, is critical when hand watering. Hand watering is typically the best option for wintering watering your trees.
Winter Watering
Winter Watering
It is very important that you keep your newly planted trees well-watered through the fall and winter seasons. To ensure your trees do not experience drought stress or winter dieback, water trees once a week in the fall until the leaves drop, (for coniferous trees stop weekly watering around mid-October) then water once per month through the winter when temperatures are above 40 degrees. Apply water during the warmest part of the day to allow time for the water to be absorbed before temperatures drop in the evening. Slowly water your trees to ensure the entire root system is soaked. Water at a rate of 10 gallons per 1-inch stem diameter. For example, a tree with a stem diameter of 3 inches should receive 30 gallons of water. If you have a water bag, which typically holds 15 gallons of water, use the same calculation to determine how many times to fill the water bag.
I have a Rooted tree with a waterbag, where is the opening to add water?
Our Rooted Waterbags have a tag on them at the top of the waterbag, the opening is underneath that tag.
Where can I purchase a waterbag for my other trees?
Rooted in Cheyenne uses Treegator® waterbags. You can find a local reseller of Treegator® waterbags on their website at www.treegator.com.
IS RAIN/SNOW ENOUGH MOISTURE FOR MY TREE?
Rain and Snow are not adequate moisture for your trees. In addition to the normal precipitation received you should be watering your tree 10 gallons per 1 inch caliper twice a week during the growing season and 10 gallons per 1 inch caliper once a month during the dormant season.
SHOULD I ADD FERTILIZER TO MY WATER WHEN I WATER MY TREES LIKE I DO WITH MY FLOWERS?
Using fertilizer additives to your water or soil is not recommended or needed for newly planted trees.
Watering Mature Shade Trees
Tree Irrigation Gude
Lawn Irrigation Gude
