Tree Watering Recommendations & Advice
Estimated Irrigation of Newly Planted Trees
(during the growing season) – Check soil moisture and water as needed
< 2 inch caliper
- Daily for two weeks - Depending on temperature and wind, apply 1-2 gallons per inch of trunk diameter.
- Every other day until established (one to two or more seasons) Depending on temperature and wind, apply 2-4 gallons per inch of trunk diameter.
2-4 inch caliper
- Daily for four weeks - Depending on temperature and wind, apply 1-2 gallons per inch of trunk diameter.
- Every other day until established (two to four or more seasons) - Depending on temperature and wind, apply 2-4 gallons per inch of trunk diameter.
> 4 inch caliper
- Daily for six weeks - Depending on temperature and wind, apply 1-2 gallons per inch of trunk diameter.
- Every other day until established (four or more seasons) - Depending on temperature and wind, apply 2- 4 gallons per inch of trunk diameter.
- Check the actual water need before watering. A common mistake on compacted and clayey soils (with poor drainage) is to apply too much water per irrigation, waterlogging the planting hole. Never apply irrigation if soil is saturated.
- Know what new leaves look like, and water enough to promote new growth throughout the growing season.
- Reduce watering in the fall when new growth declines.
- Resume watering in the spring when leave buds start to swell.
- Trunk diameter on small trees is measured at six inches above the soil line.
- In our dry, semi-arid climate, there is benefit from applying additional irrigation outside the root ball area. This can be done with a ringed soil berm that allows water to percolate into the soil or a soaker-type hose running around the backfill area.
