Alameda Wholesale Nursery Catalog.pdf

EXTRA INFORMATION
TREE WATERING GUIDELINES
We are frequently asked “How much water does a tree need?”
so we hope the following information is helpful to you and your
customers. Soil textures, ranging from sand to heavy clay,
weather conditions and water application methods all factor in
to determining tree water requirements. Generally, our trees
need a minimum of 3 ½ - 5 gallons of water per week to survive
during the growing season.
The best test of soil moisture is pull back the mulch and geotextile;
use a soil knife carefully dig down about 6” deep to ascertain
the moisture content. A soil probe can also be used to obtain
a deeper core sample at the edge of the root ball. If the soil does
not form a ball when squeezed in you hand, it needs water. If it
makes a moist ball easily, hold off on watering. The soil should
resemble a nice chocolate brownie texture when the soil has
adequate moisture. It is important to remember that plant roots
need oxygen as well as water; over watering drives air out of the
soil causing the plant to stress. Over watering is usually caused
by frequency, not the quantity, of water. It is always best to
water less frequently for longer periods of time. It is beneficial
to run the irrigation system in two consecutive cycles with a
short rest in between; this practice allows the water to soak into
the soil deeper and efficiently.
During periods of drought and
water restrictions:
A general rule is to use approximately 10 gallons of water per
inch of trunk diameter. To calculate amount of water per tree,
measure trunk at knee height:
Tree Diameter x 5 minutes= Total Watering Time
A standard garden hose at medium pressure delivers 10 gallons
of water in 5 minutes. For example, a 4” diameter tree
should receive 40 gallons of water – multiply by 5 minutes to
equal total watering time of 20 minutes. Deep watering to a
depth of 12 inches below soil surface and saturate the soil within
the drip line of the branches to disperse water deeply to the
roots. For evergreens, water 3-5 feet beyond the drip line on all
sides.
Fall and winter watering of all plants is extremely important!
Tree roots continue to grow throughout the winter and need
moisture to survive. Our winters are often cold, dry and windy
causing soil to dry out quickly and plants experience drought
stress. Water all plants one or two times per month October
through March on a day when outdoor temperatures are above
40˚ F and the ground is not frozen. Use the same amount of
water as outlined above. Your trees and plants will greatly
appreciate this extra attention and reward you in the spring
with healthy growth and endless beauty.
Sources: Colorado Planting Guide, published by Colorado Nursery & Greenhouse
Association, Sixth edition © 2006 and “Caring for Trees in a Dry Climate” factsheet
published by Colorado State University Cooperative Extension.
Page 148 • Year 2012 Catalog • Phone 303-761- 6131