When to Start Watering Trees in Spring

Everything You Need to Know Plus Expert Tips

As the weather warms up and spring arrives, your trees will need extra attention to stay healthy. To ensure your trees thrive in the upcoming months, it's crucial to understand the proper timing and techniques for watering them. By following expert advice, you can provide your trees with the right amount of water as temperatures increase.

Why do trees need water?

Trees need water to stay healthy and strong. Water helps transport nutrients to their leaves and roots, which in turn helps them grow. If a tree does not receive sufficient water, it will begin to sag and gradually expire. Additionally, watering a tree appropriately and at appropriate intervals is crucial to maintaining its general well-being.

When is the best time to start watering trees?

To water your trees, it is recommended to wait until temperatures are consistently above freezing, which typically occurs in late March or early April depending on your location.To determine whether your tree needs additional water during this period, you can check the soil for dryness. If it's dry about six inches below the surface, then your tree needs to be watered.

How often should trees be watered?

Trees should generally be watered every seven to ten days in the spring and summer months. Different types of trees may require varying amounts of water. In times of excessive heat or drought, it may be necessary to water your tree every two to three days.

What is the best way to water trees?

To water a tree in the best way, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system that will distribute water evenly and slowly to the root system of the tree. In case you don't have such systems, use a hose with a low setting. But, be careful not to over-water the tree as it can lead to root rot issues.

What are some expert tips for watering trees?

Here are some Kanata Tree Service Masters expert tips to help you keep your trees healthy and hydrated.

Tree watering tips for young trees:

• Newly planted trees need a lot of water in the first three years.
• Ensure that the soil is damp, but not excessively soaked with water.
• Water trees five to ten gallons per week per caliper inch, depending on location, soil type, drainage, and rainfall.
• Measure the caliper inch by the diameter of the trunk six inches from the ground.
• Provide five gallons of water per caliper inch in spring, fall, and winter; ten gallons in summer.
• Water the root ball and just beyond.
• Water trees twice a week.
• Skip supplemental watering during heavy rainfall.
• Ensure there is no water sitting at the base of the planting hole and don’t over-water, which can kill newly planted trees.

Tree watering tips for mature trees:

• Mature trees also need attention to their watering needs throughout their life.
• Trees need water in the spring for the growing season, in the summer when it’s hot and dry, and sometimes in the fall and winter when there are periods without rainfall.
• Understand your property's drainage conditions and water more frequently if your soil drains quickly. Check soil at six inches below the surface and water when dry.
• For large trees, water the area under the canopy, extending a few feet beyond the dripline, rather than at the base.
• Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system for watering, and water in the evening or at night to reduce evaporation loss.
• Proper mulching techniques can help keep moisture in the soil longer.
• Established trees may have varying watering needs, so research specific tree species and their watering requirements.

By following these tips and understanding the importance of water for trees, you can help keep your trees healthy and ensure they continue to thrive. Proper watering is essential for the growth, health, and longevity of a tree. With the right knowledge, care, and effort, you can give your trees the best chance at growing strong and healthy! If you have any questions about your tree's watering needs, contact Kanata Tree Service Masters for more expert advice.