WATERING CONSIDERATIONS
WHY:
Properly monitored, slow, deep watering is the single most important factor to the healthy survival of your tree. Soil conditions, wind, weather, and tree species all affect your tree's watering needs so please ask your salesperson how much water your tree will need.
HOW:
Place a hose right at the base of the tree and adjust the flow so that all water is absorbed with little or no runoff. A saucer of earth should be formed around the outside perimeter of the rootball to help retain water for absorption into the rootball.
WHEN:
The only way to know if your tree needs water is to check the soil! Immediately next to the original rootball dig a small hole six to eight inches or more into the ground. You should see tiny, fibrous, white roots growing from the rootball and the soil should be evenly moist, but not mucky wet.
More trees die from improper watering than from any other factor
Once you get a feel for your soil and seasonal conditions you can check the rootball less frequently.
Remember that even a well established tree likely needs water during any prolonged dry period.
Don't be fooled by thinking that rain or a sprinkler system is providing adequate water. Often rain does not get into the rootball area and it is common for a sprinkler system to provide watering for shallow rooted grass but not the deep watering needed by most trees.
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