Trees require extra watering during the hot summer months. Adequate watering helps trees survive the hot weather, encouraging optimal growth and overall health. Trees have varying water requirements. Young trees and newly planted trees call for more frequent watering than established trees while they’re growing a root system. Established trees are hardy but they still need water throughout the season to thrive, especially when the mercury soars in hot weather. Here’s a brief guide on how to water your trees effectively during the hot summer months.
How to Water Your Trees Effectively During the Summer
Water Deeply But Infrequently
Water trees less often than you do your flowerbeds, but water them deeply. Deep watering techniques encourage root growth and improve its drought tolerance. Deep watering lets the water seep down deeply into the root ball which is 12 to 18 inches under the surface.
Avoid Overwatering
Overwatering your trees is just as bad as underwatering them. Overwatering causes root rot and the onset of fungal diseases.
To avoid overwatering take a screwdriver and drive it into the ground around the root zone. If it pierces the soil easily, it’s too wet. If there’s too much resistance, it needs water.
Water at the Right Time of Day
Water your trees in the early morning through or late evening. Watering at these times of day limits evaporation and keeps the soil moist. Set up a timer system to water early in the morning. This will give your trees enough water to last through the peak heat hours of the day in the afternoon.
Retain Moisture with Mulch
Mulching around the tree base conserves moisture in the root zone and keeps the soil temperature even to reduce stress on the roots. Mulch also limits weed growth and stops weeds from competing for moisture and nutrients that the tree needs.
Use organic mulch like wood chips, bark, or compost. Spread a 2-to-4-inch layer around the base of the tree, but don’t let the mulch touch the trunk or it causes rot.
Optimize Irrigation Scheduling
Set up a watering schedule using factors like the tree species and their age and local weather conditions. Keep these pointers in mind:
- Young trees require watering two or three times a week
- Established trees may only need weekly watering in dry conditions
- Reduce watering during rainy spells
Monitor Weather Conditions
Keep tabs on weather forecasts and make the necessary adjustments to your watering schedule depending on the conditions. Water more in periods of drought or heat waves and water less in cooler, overcast, and rainy periods to maintain the soil moisture at a consistent level.
Techniques To Water Trees Effectively In Summer
Soaker Hoses and Drip Irrigation
These hoses feature small holes along their length. They steadily leech water into the ground without waterlogging the soil. They’re ideal for mature trees. Place the drip line around the edge of the foliage area a few feet out from the base. This will mimic the natural seepage of water into the soil during rainstorms.
Tree Watering Bags
These bags are good for young trees. The bags seep water slowly over a few hours giving the root systems ample time to take in as much water as possible. Fill up the bag, let it go to work, and don’t worry about overwatering. Trees can absorb between ten and one hundred gallons of water daily.
Manual Watering
Use a hose with an adjustable flow spray head and water around the base of the tree for 30 minutes. This approach soaks the soil without causing runoff and waterlogging.
Recognizing Symptoms of Water Stress in Trees
Recognizing the signs of water stress in trees lets you adjust your watering strategy to accommodate the trees’ water requirements. Watch for the following signs of water stress in your trees.
- Leaf Drop – Droopy or limp leaves are signs that the roots aren’t getting enough water.
- Yellowing of leaves – This problem can occur due to the leaching of nutrients from the soil due to overwatering or the tree not getting enough water to the roots.
- Leaf Scorch – A classic symptom of water stress. The edges of the leaves appear brown and dry.
Long-Term Watering Considerations
Adopt water-conservation practices for long-term tree health. Harvest rainwater using rain barrels and use the water supply during dry spells. Boost the health of the soil with organic matter like mulch to enhance the nutrient value of the soil structure and improve its capacity for holding moisture.
Watering Trees During the Summer
Call your local tree service company if you have questions about how to water your trees effectively in the summer heat. Properly watering your young and established trees is essential for long-term tree health.
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