Adding a new tree to your landscape contributes to the planet’s future health. However, newly planted trees need more care and attention than their well-established counterparts. This extra care includes deep and more frequent watering.
Proper watering sets up the tree for a long and healthy life. How often and how much water do newly planted trees need? As Marietta’s trusted tree service, the crew at SoutheastTree discusses how often to water newly planted trees and highlights a few tips on watering trees the right way.
When to Water Newly Planted Trees
When hydrating recently planted trees, focus on deep watering to ensure all parts of the root system and beyond receive water – the first step in calculating the right watering amount. Consider the following watering schedule for new trees:
- Water daily, one to two weeks after planting
- Water every two to three days, 3-12 weeks after planting
- After twelve weeks, water every other week until the tree’s roots establish
If you have small trees, you’ll usually need to water them for one to two growing seasons. Establishing a water routine for young trees increases their chances of growing healthy and thriving.
On watering days, you want the soil to retain moisture without feeling soggy. If you have sandy soil or soil that doesn’t retain water, increase the amount of newly planted tree watering frequency. That’s how often to water newly planted trees.
How Long Does It Take for Tree Roots to Establish?
Establishment time for tree roots increases with tree size. You can use the trunk caliper at the time of planting to determine how long it takes for the roots to establish. For example, a tree with a 1-inch caliper will establish its roots in 1.5 years.
Here’s how to find your tree’s caliper:
- Measure the diameter of the trunk at 6 inches above the ground (for trunk diameters up to 4 inches)
- Measure the trunk diameter at 12 inches above the ground (for trunk diameters over 4 inches)
How Much Water?
For newly planted trees, apply 1-1.5 gallons per inch of stem caliper at each irrigation. You’ll need to increase the water volume as the roots grow and spread.
Watering Tips
When it comes to tree irrigation for recent plantings, the following watering tips will help:
- Don’t over-water a tree
- Don’t squirt water at the trunk
- Pour water directly over the root ball
- Use a slow trickle of water to fill the reservoir and allow water to infiltrate slowly into and around the root ball
- Use mulch, but keep the mulch layer away from the trunk and no more than 2-3 inches
Mulching for Improved Water Uptake
Mulching around newly planted trees offers several benefits over bare soil cultivation. Mulching with organic materials like wood chips and pine needles yields the best outcomes, including:
- Decreases water evaporation from the soil
- Insulates the soil from extreme soil temperatures
- Help to control seed germination and keep weed growth in check
- Improves soil health
- Reduces soil compaction
- Prevents runoff around plants growing in sloping sites or in heavy clay soils
- Prevent stems and trunk damage from weed cutters and lawn mowers
Trust Your Local Tree Experts
Now that you know how often to water newly planted trees, you don’t want to hire just anyone for your tree care needs. Count on our certified crew at SoutheastTree for competitive pricing on a wide range of tree services, including:
- Tree removal
- Tree trimming and pruning
- Land clearing
- Arborist services
Call SoutheastTree at (770) 977-8733 for a free assessment or to schedule an appointment for tree service in or around Atlanta, Georgia. Reach out for tips on how to save a dying tree from lack of water.
Related: Why Tree Care Matters: The Benefits of Preventative Tree Care