Many times I hear from clients “I water my grass, that’s enough for my trees.” Even in a year with sufficient rainfall, watering your grass is not enough water for a tree. Successfully established trees and shrubs have a moisture requirement just like any other plan. And yes, to some extent they can pull water from turf watering, but the overall health of these plants is at a higher risk.
Our past Office Professional, originally from Missouri, always commented on how much we liked our trees in Meade County and the extent a client was willing to take to keep a tree healthy in Southwest Kansas. She was right, it takes time and effort for a large tree, which cannot be replaced quickly.
First we need to consider the plants that serve a legitimate purpose as a landscape element by providing shade, privacy or curb appeal. Then look at outlying plants that probably don’t have as much importance, these may be allowed to stress more, even to the point of going into summer dormancy. But don’t overlook these plants, especially if they are not native.
Consider the root zone for your plant. Our yards were once a construction site, perhaps we park a vehicle near or under the tree for shade, or next to the driveway. These are factors that all come into play with plant health.
Last week we talked about watering turf 6 to 8 inches. And, the same principals for rainfall also applies here. If a substantial rainfall occurs, it will be less likely you will need to water as long, or even at all.
Remember to check the soil moisture before you begin. Plants need air in the soil, just as much as they need water. Over watering can drown out a plant. Established trees and shrubs should be soaked to a minimum depth of 12 inches, out to and beyond the drip line, every three to four weeks, or when the soil dries out.
Trees have feeder roots that can grow up to twice the distance of the height of the tree. Most of the feeder roots also lie within the top 12 inches of soil. Avoid watering at the base of the trunk, since the absorbing roots are farther out.
Don’t forget about evergreens too. These type of plants don’t exhibit symptoms of drought stress as quickly as a deciduous plant. The delayed response can give you security now, but could result in irreversible damage later on. Many times we see drought stress appear over a year later, even after a wet period.
When watering, any method is better than none. A porous soaker hose works well, or just let a pencil thin stream of water trickle from the garden hose, moving it around as necessary. Don’t expect to achieve this by hand-watering, this process takes time.
If it rains, be sure to take advantage of this time. Water moves more readily into moist soil. It would be beneficial to water immediately after a ¼ to ½ inch rainfall to move water deeper into the root zone and maximize the benefit of the light precipitation.
The video below shows how to install drip irrigation around a tree.
If you would like more information on watering newly planted trees and shrubs visit our water-wise publication for Newly Planted Young Trees and Shrubs.
