Tree Watering Instructions
See also: Caring For Your Tree and About Pruning

General Information:

• Water your tree IMMEDIATELY after planting…waiting even a few hours makes a difference with tree survival.

• Most young trees need 10 gallons of water each week for the first year. We recommend watering 5 gallons every 3 - 4 days.

• All young trees should be deep-watered using a low flow rate for a long
duration around the base of the tree trunk to ensure that the entire root ball is
saturated.

• Check moisture level of the rootball just below the surface of the soil. If it is moist, wait to water. Too much water is just as bad as too little!

• Maintain the watering basin around the tree to prevent water from running off away from the root ball where it is needed. Expand the watering basin in width as the tree grows and keep it free of any competing vegetation (this includes grass)!

• Most established trees will benefit from periodic, but infrequent deep watering, particularly during the dry season. It may be necessary to make adjustments in the frequency and duration of watering depending on soil type, drainage, weather, and tree species.

• Use mulch or woodchips in the watering basin to conserve soil moisture.

More Information:

Dry Season and Summer Months: Irrigate trees planted during the dry season 1 to 2 times a week until the rainy season. It may be necessary to water more frequently during particularly dry, hot weather. Water approximately 10 gallons each time you water.

Rainy Season and Winter Months: Irrigate trees planted in the late winter to
early spring on a weekly basis, when rain is lacking. Begin deep watering once to twice a week with the approach of warm, dry weather – water thoroughly.

2nd Year After Planting: Water on a weekly basis during the second year, begin in late spring continuing through early fall. Water at a flow rate that is low enough to allow for water to percolate down through the soil.

3rd Year After Planting: By the third year, monthly deep watering should suffice, but remember to check your tree often. Watering during the rainy season may not be required.

4th & 5th Years After Planting: Many trees will thrive with 2 or 3 deep soakings during the summer of the fourth or fifth year. Break down the watering basin and water the soil area under the drip line of the canopy. Monitor your tree carefully!

CAUTION: Certain trees have lower water needs. Avoid plantings in irrigated areas and reduce watering to once per week after the 1st year for the following species:

Caution:
Certain trees have lower water needs. Avoid plantings in irrigated areas and reduce watering to once per week after the 1st year for the following species:

• Oaks (all CA Native species)
• Chinese Pistache
• Arbutus ‘Marina’
• Madrone
• Crepe Myrtle

These trees will survive the summer with no further irrigation. Any watering done should be outside the drip line of the canopy.

See also: Caring For Your Tree and About Pruning