We do a somewhat unnatural thing by moving a tree from one location to another, and trees transplanted from a nursery initially have reduced root area compared to trees that seeded naturally in the wild. This means they’re not able to get enough water from rain alone and are less resilient to flooding. Water stress (too little or too much) is one of the main killers of young trees and it’s by far the biggest stress we at LEAF see with newly planted trees. Regular watering using the proper technique will help your tree get established and grow faster.
Here are some tips to help you master the art of watering.
1. Pay Attention
The very best thing you can do for your tree is spend time with it! You’ll get to know your tree and will be able to spot any concerns early on. Check under the mulch and feel the soil. If it is soft and moist, your tree should be good for another day or so, but if it is hard and dry, your tree is in need of a drink! Underwatering is more common than overwatering, but overwatering can happen in poorly drained soils. If you see standing water on the soil surface near your tree, reduce watering.
2. Emulate nature
When taking care of your tree, try to emulate nature. Deep and less frequent watering that mimics rain patterns is preferred to frequent and light watering. To encourage healthy root development, make sure you’re applying water to the entire root ball and not just one area. We suggest watering twice a week for 15 minutes using a hose with no nozzle on a very slow trickle or using 3 to 4 full watering cans/buckets. Avoid using a sprinkler as overhead watering creates wet foliage and bark which is more prone to fungal diseases (not to mention you lose water to evaporation).
3. Don’t forget!
If your biggest problem is remembering to check on your tree, there are a few tricks to help you out. You can stick a note on your fridge; create a routine that includes checking on your tree before heading out to work; or download an app designed specifically to remind you about taking care of your garden.
4. A little more assurance
Additional measures to reduce water stress include maintaining a 3 to 4 inch deep layer of mulch (woodchips or other organic matter). Remember to lay your mulch in a donut shape, keeping it away from the trunk to avoid rot at the base of your tree. Reducing competition for water by hand-pulling any weeds that grow in the tree’s root zone is also helpful. If you’re going out of town, remember to ask a neighbour or friend to water your young tree twice per week while you are away.
These simple steps will help your tree get the best possible start in life, so it can grace your yard for decades to come!
Jacqueline Hamilton is LEAF’s Residential Planting Program Coordinator.