You need to water newly planted trees regularly during the first five years to help them develop robust root systems.
Why you need to water
It is very important to water your newly planted trees during the establishment period (first five years after planting). This is just as important as where you plant them for their long-term health and resilience.
Planting a tree is a critical moment. It is a shock to their systems, disrupting their root structures and natural processes. In the wild, trees develop extensive root networks that allow them to access water and nutrients. However, when trees are relocated, they must adapt to a new environment. They are vulnerable during this early stage of their life.
Watering during the first five years while trees establish in their new location is essential to prevent issues like canopy dieback. It also helps trees to develop robust root systems.
Knowing how your soil drains is also important so you can water your trees effectively. Visit this guide for instructions on how to test your soil to determine what kind of drainage conditions you have.
How to water your trees
The goal of proper watering is to keep the soil moist without oversaturating the soil or letting it get too dry.
- Don’t water every day. This can suffocate root systems and create opportunities for rot and disease to develop.
- Instead, water your tree with 15-20 gallons twice a week.
- Focus on watering slowly to allow the water to soak deep into the soil.
- Water around the root zone, not directly against the trunk.
- Water in either the morning or evening when there is less evaporation.
- If using a hose, set it to a trickle and let it run for about 30 minutes.
- You can also use a watering bag or a large bucket with a small hole drilled in the bottom.
These slow-release watering methods give the soil time to absorb the water, which reaches more roots and uses less water overall. Watering methods that focus on the root zone will prevent decay and disease and establish healthy root systems. This will ensure your trees grow strong into maturity.
Thank you to Trees for Seattle, a program of the City of Seattle, for the information and graphic in this post.
