How Often to Water Newly Planted Trees

Planting a new tree is an exciting event, but it also comes with a responsibility to take care of it properly. One of the most important tasks is to give the tree enough water to thrive in its new environment. However, many people have questions about how often to water new planted trees. In this article, we will discuss the best practices for watering newly planted trees to help you give your tree the best chance at success.

The First Week

The first week after planting is crucial for the survival of a newly planted tree. During this time, the tree is still trying to establish its roots and recover from transplant shock. It is recommended to water the tree every day during the first week, to help it establish its roots properly. However, you want to make sure you do not overwater the tree, as this can also cause problems. You should water the tree deeply, but make sure the soil is not overly saturated. A good method is to test the soil moisture by digging a hole near the base of the tree. If the soil feels moist, you can skip watering for the day.

Week Two to Four

During weeks two to four, the tree should still be watered regularly to help its roots develop properly. However, you can start to reduce the frequency of watering to every other day. At this stage, the tree should have started to establish its roots in the new soil, and can handle slightly less water. However, you still want to ensure the tree is getting enough water to help it continue to grow and establish itself in its new environment.

Week Five to Eight

By weeks five to eight, the tree should be well established in its new environment, and its roots should be spreading out to explore the surrounding soil. At this point, you can start to reduce the frequency of watering further, to once or twice a week. However, you still want to make sure the tree is getting enough water, so you need to water it deeply when you do water it. Deep watering helps the roots grow stronger and encourages the tree to become more drought-tolerant over time.

After Eight Weeks

After eight weeks, the tree should have become established enough that it can handle less frequent watering. You should still water it deeply when you do water it, but you can reduce the frequency to once every one to two weeks, depending on the weather and soil conditions. You should also keep an eye on the tree during dry spells or prolonged hot weather and adjust watering frequency as required. The key is to let the soil dry out slightly between watering, as this helps the roots grow stronger and encourages the tree to become more drought-tolerant over time.

Conclusion

Watering a newly planted tree can seem like an overwhelming task, but it is important to give the tree the best chance at survival. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure your tree is getting the water it needs to establish itself properly and grow strong roots. However, be sure to adjust your watering frequency based on the weather and soil conditions, as this can vary from location to location. By providing the right environment, your tree can reward you with a lifetime of beauty and enjoyment.