Fall Tree Care: How To Water A New Tree?

Watering a newly planted tree depends on factors such as rainfall, wind conditions, and temperatures. Newly planted trees require more frequent watering than established ones and should be watered at planting time and at these intervals: 1-2 weeks after planting, water daily. Young, newly planted trees should be watered once or twice a week, depending on the hot weather. If planted in the fall and temperatures are cooler, they can probably water daily for about one week. To maximize the fall display, keep the tree well-watered during the main part of the growing season but withhold water in the late summer and early fall.

Newly planted trees require much more water than established ones. The best way to determine when trees need water is to check the soil. The goal is to achieve moist, not soggy soil. New trees should be watered right after planting, then receive one inch of precipitation per week over the entire root zone (or the equivalent amount of water through irrigation). If using a hose, let a hose run slowly at the drip line of the tree, moving it around occasionally. At medium pressure, it will take about five minutes to produce 10 gallons of water. If using a sprinkler system, place a straight-sided hose.

Newly planted trees are more susceptible to damage from dry conditions and should be watered more frequently than established trees. Try watering them to a depth of 24 inches three times a month in the fall and twice a month in the winter. Apply 1-1.5 gallons per inch of stem caliper at each watering.

For established trees, water along the tree’s dripline (outer edge of where the tree’s canopy extends). Newly planted trees should be watered at the trunk and leaves, using a soaker hose to provide a slow stream of water. Mature trees should be watered at the drip-line, while new trees should be watered at the root-ball.