Watering Trees
SP682
Wayne K. Clatterbuck Associate Professor Forestry, Wildlife & Fisheries
is not recommended. Since most of the absorbing roots arelocated in the upper 12 inches of the soil, surface applica-tions are more beneficial. Deep watering misses these rootsand allows water to drain away from the more active rootzone, wasting water and watering efforts. Surface soakingallows tree roots more opportunity to absorb the water.
Where to Water?
Watering should take place beneath the crown of thetree and extending a few feet beyond the drip line of thecrown. Trees need not be watered closer than 3 feet to thebase of the trunk and not much beyond the drip line. Theseare the areas generally beneath the foliage and shaded bythe tree. Be sure that the water slowly soaks into the soiland does not run off. Use mulch and slow application ratesWater is the most limiting factor for tree survivaland growth. Trees use water during photosynthesis andlose water during transpiration. Water shortages affectboth young and old trees. Drought conditions can leadto tree decline, making the tree more susceptible to pestproblems. Supplemental watering can greatly assist treesduring stressful drought periods in the summer and in thedormant season when soil moisture is limited. Desiccatingwinds and lack of precipitation can increase transpiration inevergreens (conifers) and create soil moisture deficits evenduring the winter.
How to Water?
Ideally, watering should begin when soil moisturereaches some critical level. However, most homeowners donot have the instrumentation to mea-sure soil moisture. Thus, precipitationevents should be monitored and thesoil observed to evaluate when water-ing is needed. Trees should be wateredbefore they show symptoms of leaf curling or leaf detachment due to a lack f moisture.he best way to water trees isgradually with a soaker hose or bytrickle or drip irrigation. Sprinklersare less efficient, but they are easy touse. Use an organic mulch to conservemoisture and apply water over the topf the mulch. Do not concentrate thewater at the base of the tree. Most of the fine feeder roots of trees are locatedseveral feet from the trunk. Excessivewatering at the base of the tree can leadto pest problems and root diseases.eep watering a tree with a pipewedged 12 or more inches in the soil
Larry Tankersley Extension Forester Forestry, Wildlife & Fisheries
Example of mulched areas free of vegetation under the drip line of trees. Wateringshould be concentrated in these areas.
W a y n e K . C l a t t e r b u c k
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