This year has been one of the hottest and driest years we’ve ever had, and quite frankly … welcome to Texas … it’s HOT here! As temperatures rise and rainfall becomes less predictable, it’s important to Pay close attention to how we water our trees. Trees are valuable asset to any landscape, providing beauty, shade, and a host of ecological benefits. However, if they’re not properly irrigated, they can be prone to stress, vulnerable to pests and diseases, and in some cases, can even die!
Here are some tips on how to water your trees effectively:
- Water deeply and infrequently. Trees have deep roots that require deep watering. When you water shallowly and frequently, you encourage the trees roots to only stay near the surface, making the tree more vulnerable to drought. Instead, water your trees deeply, applying enough water to penetrate the soil to a depth of at least 6” to 12”.
- Water at the right time- the best time to water your trees is early in the morning or late in the day when temperatures are cooler and there’s less chance of evaporation. Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day when most of the water will be lost in the atmosphere to evaporation
- Use the right amount of water- the amount of water your trees need depends on variety of factors, including the species of the tree, the age of the tree, the soil type, and the climate. A good rule of thumb is to provide one inch of water per week, either through rainfall or irrigation.
- Don’t over water- overwatering trees can be just as harmful to them as underwatering. When you over water, you saturate the soil, depriving the roots of oxygen. This can lead to root rot and other diseases. Be sure to monitor the soil moisture level and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. You can do a simple test by sticking a long screwdriver into the ground and pulling it out to see how wet the soil is. If it comes back muddy, hold off on watering a few days ; If it comes back dry, go ahead and water 🙂
- mulch around your trees-mulching around your trees can help retain moisture in the soil, reduce weed growth, feed and increase beneficial microbes in the soil, and protect the roots from temperature fluctuations including this extreme heat. Apply a layer of mulch no more than 2” to 3”, and Make sure to keep it at least 3” to 6” away from the trunk.
Proper watering techniques are essential for maintaining healthy trees. By following these tips, you’ll ensure that your trees thrive, adding beauty and value to your landscape and home for years to come!!
I hope that helps, and thanks for checking out our site! If you need help establishing a good tree care maintenance program for your trees and landscape, don’t hesitate to shoot us an e-mail or give us a call at the number below.
Matt Latham – 409.995.7940
Board Certified Master Arborist #TX-3737B
www.arboristondemand.com
mattlathambcma@gmail.com
