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Even native trees need extra water in severe droughts like the one we are experiencing this summer.
Contrary to common belief tree roots do not mirror the above-ground portion of a tree. Most of a tree’s root system is only a couple feet below the surface.
To tell if your tree needs extra water, dig down about six inches below the surface. If the soil there is dry your tree could probably benefit from supplemental watering.
Waterings should cover as much of the root area as possible. Most of a tree’s feeder roots for the uptake of water are not in the area next to the trunk. They are in the area near the “drip-line” – the area under the furthest spread of the branches. If the soil is shallow feeder roots may extend quite a way beyond the drip-line.
Water applied at the base of the trunk may actually be harmful. Excess water around and on the trunk can lead to rot. Don’t water at the trunk.
Sprinklers usually do not provide sufficient moisture to reach tree roots. A better practice is to provide long deep waterings with a soaker hose or a drip irrigation system two or three times a month. Sandy soils need more frequent watering and soils with a lot of clay need less.
How much water should you use? Austin’s Park and Recreation Department recommends 5 gallons of water for every inch of tree diameter. Use a trowel or shovel to make sure the water is getting down to the roots and water until the soil is moist. If water starts to pool or run off at the surface turn off the water and allow the water to soak in before resuming.
Too much water can also be bad for trees. Tree roots need oxygen and too much water excludes oxygen from the soil. The soil should be moist, but not soggy or squishy for any length of time.
You can conserve moisture in the soil by applying mulch around the tree. Apply three or four inches around as much of the root system as possible. Keep the mulch six inches away from the trunk to help keep the trunk dry.
Newly-planted trees need to be watered more frequently. A tree may take up to two years to establish its root system. Also if there has been digging or trenching around a tree it may need extra water until it establishes new roots to replace the ones that are destroyed.
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**ARCHIVED POST AUTHOR: Bill Hopkins
