Introduction

Planting a crabapple tree can be a rewarding experience as it adds beauty and gives you an opportunity to enjoy its fruits. However, the care and maintenance of a new tree is imperative to its growth and survival, and it starts with the watering schedule. In this article, we will discuss how often you should water a newly planted crabapple tree.

Week 1-2

During the first two weeks of planting a crabapple tree, it's essential to keep the soil moist at all times. This period allows the tree to establish a root system that will enable it to absorb water from the soil. Therefore, you'll need to water the tree regularly, at least twice a week or as necessary, especially when the weather is hot and dry. Ensure that the tree receives enough water to wet the soil around the roots, and the water penetrates at least six inches deep.

Week 3-4

After the first two weeks, you can start reducing the watering frequency. However, you must not let the soil around the tree dry out. It's recommended that you water the tree at least once a week, especially if you live in areas with hot and dry weather. Be sure to check the soil around the tree before watering to avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot and fungal diseases.

Week 5-8

By the fifth week, the crabapple tree should have established a sturdy root system that can extract more water from the soil. As such, you can decrease the watering frequency to once every two weeks, especially when the weather is cool and rainy. However, when the weather is hot and dry, you may have to water the tree once a week to prevent the soil around the roots from drying out.

Month 3 and Beyond

After three months, the crabapple tree's root system should have established firmly, and you have to transition to a regular watering schedule. The watering frequency may vary depending on the weather condition in your area, the type of soil you have, and the tree's growing conditions. However, a general rule of thumb is to water the tree at least once a month or as is necessary, especially when there is a drought or when the weather is too hot and dry. It's best to avoid letting the soil around the tree to dry out as it can cause the tree to lose its leaves or even die.

Conclusion

Watering a newly planted crabapple tree is essential to its growth and survival. During the first two weeks, you should water the tree at least twice a week to enable it to establish a strong root system. After that, you can decrease the frequency to once a week, and once the tree matures, water it at least once a month or as necessary. Ultimately, knowing how often to water your crabapple tree will significantly impact its growth and give you a more beautiful and healthier tree.