Last Updated on December 30, 2021 by
Planting new trees is an exciting time. Not only do you feel a sense of accomplishment, but you also get to watch those trees grow over the years. However, there is one important question you need to ask yourself after planting new trees is: How often do you need to water newly planted trees?
Planting trees takes some time and patience, but it is well worth all the hard work. No matter what type of tree you are planting, it will take some special steps to make sure you get it properly planted. One of the most important steps to planting a tree is making sure you are watering it right.
How Often Do You Need to Water Newly Planted Trees?
Watering trees is fine art. If you don’t water them enough, they can die and if you water them too much they can also die. It is important to know how much to water them to make sure they are getting just the right amount.
Newly planted trees require regular and consistent watering until their root system is established. Properly watering your newly planted trees is vital for their root systems to grow. A newly planted tree will need more attention than one that is already well established.
When to Water
Knowing when to water is key to allowing your tree to healthily grow. The first few weeks require the most attention, as this is when the tree needs the most water.
For the first one to two weeks, newly planted trees should be watered daily. From three weeks all the way up to 12 weeks, a tree should be watered every two to three days. After 12 weeks, water weekly until the roots are fully established.
After you plant your tree, you should immediately water it. The sooner you water your tree after planting, the better it is for the tree.
It is best to water either early morning or in the evening using a low flow rate system with a water basin. This will help give the tree the proper amount of water.
How Much to Water
Another important variable when caring for newly planted trees is how much to water them. Knowing how much water they need is vital for giving your trees the best care.
How much water you give them depends on the stem caliper. For every inch of stem caliper, water one to one and a half gallons. The older the tree, the larger the caliper and the more water it will need.
To find the caliper of your tree, measure the trunk diameter at six inches above the ground if the diameters up to four inches. If the diameter is more than four inches, then measure the tree at 12 inches above the ground.
Where to Water
Another important thing to consider when planting a new tree is where to water it. Where your water will depend on how much water the tree is able to take in.
It is ideal to water directly over the root ball. This will give the water direct access to the root, allowing it to grow at a healthy rate.
You will want to create a water reservoir around your tree by making a circular mound of earth, three to four inches high, around the tree at the edge of its root ball. Then use a slow trickle of water to fill the reservoir, allowing the water to slowly infiltrate the root ball and surrounding area.
You can also use Treegator bags as a slow-release water system for your trees. Treegator bags are easy to use and provide a slow trickle of water to be released over several hours. This will allow for a deep and steady watering for your trees.
Use Mulch to Help Your Trees
When planting a new tree, it is a good idea to use mulch. Mulch made from organic materials, such as wood chips and pine needles, give trees several advantages over just using soil.
When trees are planted, they have to compete against turf for nutrients, water, and space. Turf almost always wins the battle because of its dense fibrous root system. Luckily, mulch provides trees with the needed advantages to beat turf.
Mulch decreases water evaporation in the soil while also preventing runoff around plants. It can help control the growth of weeds, which may interfere with a tree’s root system. Mulch also works as an insulator, protecting trees from harsh summer and winter weather.
Though mulch is beneficial to trees, you want to make sure you don’t have more than three inches of mulch. Too much mulch can cause trees to be deprived of oxygen. It can also prevent the irrigation of water, which causes the roots to dry up.
Research Your Tree and Environment
Before you plant your new tree, you should research tips to help the type of tree grow and how to properly water it, as every tree is unique. Certain trees may need extra special care to help their root system flourish. Some trees also need more water than other trees.
You should also research your environment before planting trees, as some environments are better for trees than others. Factors such as soil, temperatures and the amount of rain and snow will affect your tree and it may impact how much water your new tree will need.
Keeping Your New Trees Healthy
Maintaining a regular and consistent watering schedule is vital for your newly planted trees to thrive. Newly planted trees need proper watering in order to keep them healthy and to allow their root system to grow.
A newly planted tree is fragile, so it is important to stick with its watering schedule. Fortunately, products like the Treegator are designed to help make taking care of your new tree easy.
Planting a new tree is not only an enjoyable activity, but it is great for the environment. Please comment if you have any questions regarding how often you should water your newly planted tree.
FAQs
How much water does a newly planted tree require?
It is estimated that a tree requires about 400-800 gallons of water per year. Using this average, you can calculate how much water per day your tree will need.
Can you overwater a newly planted tree?
A newly planted tree needs proper care and attention. We need to make sure that the tree remains healthy with water and nutrients in the right amount.
It is important to not over-water your newly planted tree because it may lead to root rot. If you are unsure about how much water your plant needs, a simple solution would be to purchase a soil moisture meter that can help you determine when your plant needs more or less watering.
How do I know if my newly planted tree needs water?
There are a few ways to figure out if your newly planted tree needs water. One of the most effective way is to look at the soil. If it’s dry and crumbly, it’s likely that your tree needs more water. The second way would be checking on your plant everyday for a few days. If you see that the root ball has dried, it’s time to give it more water.
If your plant starts wilting or drooping, then it's time to add some Miracle-Gro or moss balls as well as lots of mulch around the base of the tree.
Should you water newly planted trees every day?
It is important to water newly planted trees and shrubs in the early stages of their growth. This process has been studied by experts and it has been found that watering these plants does not depend on the type of soil.
It is important for you to know that this question may depend on the type of tree or plant you are talking about. Some plants, like cacti, require a much less frequent watering than others like rose bushes or blueberry bushes. You can also find out more information by asking a professional gardener or plant expert at your local nursery.
New plants, in general, should be watered every day to keep them healthy and thriving.
How often should you water a new tree in the summer?
One of the most common questions that homeowners ask is how often should you water a new tree in the summer? There are several factors to consider when answering this question. The amount of sunlight and the surrounding temperature will influence how often you should water your plant.
Generally speaking, if you have a large plant that requires more water, then it is recommended to give it two or three times a week; while smaller plants can be watered once in two weeks.
The type of soil in which your plant is grown will also influence how frequently you need to water it. Plants grown in drier soil require shorter periods of watering than those grown in wetter soil.
How do you take care of a newly planted tree?
One of the most common problems homeowners face when planting a tree is how to take care of it. Some might opt for regular fertilizing and watering, while others might go for a more natural approach by just leaving it alone.
Before you plant your tree, make sure you know what the ideal conditions are for the plant and what type of plant it is. You can also consult an expert in the field or ask friends if they have experience with growing trees. If possible, start off with a young sapling instead of a full grown one so that you won't have to wait too long before getting to enjoy its fruits.
Tony Manhart is a passionate gardener who has been tending to gardens for over 20 years. He takes pride in creating beautiful outdoor spaces with plants, trees, and shrubs that can thrive in any environment. He loves to share his knowledge with others and has taught classes on gardening basics and advanced techniques. He is committed to sustainability, using natural and organic methods to create and maintain gardens. He also works with local organizations to create green spaces for communities. When he’s not gardening, Tony enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with his family.
