Tree Care: How to Water Your Newly Planted Tree

An integral part of tree care includes proper watering techniques to promote establishment and ensure they have a good chance to survive.

Initial Watering

Immediately after planting, give the tree a thorough watering to settle the soil around the roots. Use a hose or watering can to provide a slow, deep soak. Soak both the root ball and the surrounding soil.

Frequency

Newly planted trees need regular watering to help establish their root systems. Water deeply two to five times per week during the first growing season, increasing during dry periods. Adjust the frequency based on weather conditions and soil moisture levels.

Watering Depth

Focus on watering deeply to encourage deep root growth. Apply water slowly to allow it to penetrate the soil and reach the root zone. Watering deeply promotes stronger, more resilient root systems.

Soil Moisture

Check the soil moisture regularly to determine when watering is needed. Check a few inches down within the root ball to test moisture levels. If the soil feels dry to the touch several inches below the surface, it’s time to water.

Mulching

Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree to help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature. Mulch also suppresses weeds and improves soil structure. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and disease.

Watering Technique

Use a slow and gentle watering technique to avoid runoff and ensure thorough soil saturation. A drip irrigation system is not available, we recommend a watering bag or soaker hose to allow for a consistent drip to soak the roots.

Morning Watering

Water trees in the morning to minimize water loss due to evaporation and to allow foliage to dry before nightfall. Wet foliage overnight can increase the risk of fungal diseases.

Avoid Overwatering

While it’s important to keep newly planted trees adequately hydrated, avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot and other problems. Monitor the soil to check for sitting water. Do not water if the soil is still wet to the touch. Wait 12 hours and check again.

Monitor Weather Conditions

Adjust your watering schedule based on weather conditions. Rainfall can supplement watering, so be mindful of forecasted precipitation when planning your watering routine. Dry spells will require increased watering.

Regular Monitoring

Keep a close eye on the tree’s overall health and growth. Watch for signs of stress such as wilting or yellowing leaves, which may indicate inadequate watering. Adjust your watering practices to support the tree’s health and vitality.

Fall Shut Down

In the fall season, trees are starting to move their energy into the root system, so they are not taking up as much moisture as they were before. Reducing water will create a stress response which will push the tree into dormancy, helping to protect it from killing frosts. There is a delicate balance between reducing water to put them into fall mode and dehydrating the tree. Pay close attention to the fall foliage to determine what moisture level is needed for your trees to remain healthy and happy. To keep your foliage from becoming crispy, brown, and dry, increase water as needed. If you notice the fall colours change and new growth stops, you will know your trees are beginning to enter dormancy. It is common to see this happen early in the season for newly planted trees.

Complete Last Watering

Once your trees have gone into full dormancy, ensuring the root ball is adequately hydrated is important. One way to accomplish this is to water heavily before consistent frozen temperatures are forecast. If there are extended Chinooks throughout the winter season, water your trees as needed so they do not dehydrate.

By following these guidelines and paying attention to the tree’s water needs, you can help ensure the successful establishment of newly planted trees.

Reducing tree shock after planting is crucial for the tree’s health and survival. Here are some steps to help minimize transplant shock:

Proper Planting Technique

Ensure that the tree is planted correctly. Check out our page on proper planting techniques.

Watering

Water the tree immediately after planting to help settle the soil and provide moisture to the roots. Give the tree a deep watering, making sure that the root ball and surrounding soil are thoroughly moistened. After the initial watering, continue to water the tree regularly, especially during dry periods. Watering needs will vary based on weather, soil type, time of summer, and other environmental factors. Check the soil a few inches below the surface to see how much moisture is being held by the soil and water as needed.

Mulching

Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or shredded bark, around the base of the tree. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and disease.

Avoid Fertilizing

Refrain from fertilizing the tree immediately after planting. Fertilizers can stimulate new growth, which may be stressful for the tree as it establishes its roots. Wait until the following growing season before applying any fertilizer.

Pruning

Limit pruning to only necessary corrective or structural pruning immediately after planting. Avoid heavy pruning, as it can further stress the tree.

Monitor and Care

Keep a close eye on the newly planted tree for signs of stress, such as wilting, yellowing leaves, or dieback. Provide appropriate care, including regular watering and maintenance, to support the tree’s recovery and growth.

Be Patient

Understand that some degree of transplant shock is normal after planting. It may take several weeks or even an entire season for the tree to fully recover and begin showing signs of new growth. It takes approximately two seasons for a tree to become fully established so continue to be patient and provide proper care and maintenance.

By following these steps, you can help reduce transplant shock and promote the healthy establishment of your newly planted tree. Reach out to a professional if you suspect an underlying issue aside from regular transplant shock.

Using a Gator bag or similar watering bag can be beneficial for newly planted trees or trees undergoing stress due to drought or other environmental factors.

Efficient Watering

Gator bags deliver water directly to the tree’s root zone. This ensures that water is efficiently absorbed by the roots where it’s needed most. This helps cut water waste from runoff and evaporation, especially in hot and dry conditions.

Deep Root Watering

The slow-release design of Gator bags allows water to penetrate deeply into the soil, promoting deep root growth. Deep root watering encourages the development of a strong and healthy root system, which is essential for the tree’s long-term health and stability.

Consistent Moisture

Gator bags provide a consistent supply of moisture to the tree, helping to maintain optimal soil moisture levels. Consistent watering is important for newly planted trees, as they are more susceptible to drought stress and may require supplemental irrigation to establish their root systems.

Convenience

Gator bags are easy to install and require minimal maintenance. Once filled with water, they slowly release moisture over several hours or days, reducing the need for frequent watering and saving time and effort for the tree caretaker.

Versatility

Gator bags can be used in a variety of settings, including residential landscapes, urban environments, and commercial properties. They are suitable for both newly planted trees and established trees experiencing drought stress or other environmental challenges.

Overall, using a Gator bag can be a convenient and effective way to provide consistent and efficient watering for trees, especially during the critical establishment period after planting or during periods of drought or water stress.

Staking a tree is a common practice used to provide support and stability, especially for young trees, newly planted trees, or trees in windy areas.

Select Stakes

Choose sturdy stakes that are tall enough to provide adequate support for the tree. Stakes should be made of durable materials such as wood or metal, such as this kit on Amazon. Select three to four stakes per tree.

Positioning

Place the stakes outside the root ball and away from the trunk to avoid damaging the root system. Position the stakes evenly around the tree, spaced several feet apart, to provide balanced support.

Drive Stakes

Drive the stakes into the ground at least 1 to 2 feet deep, angling them away from the tree at a 45-degree angle. Ensure that the stakes are firmly anchored in the soil and stable enough to support the tree.

Protective Padding

To prevent damage to the tree’s bark, wrap the stakes with protective padding such as rubber hose or commercial tree straps. This will cushion the tree against abrasion and rubbing from the stakes.

Tie Tree to Stakes

Use soft, flexible materials such as tree straps, fabric ties, or tree staking belts to secure the tree to the stakes. Avoid using wire or materials that may cut into the tree’s bark. Tie the tree loosely to the stakes, allowing for some movement and growth. Check the tension of the ties regularly to ensure they are not too tight or restrictive. The ties should provide support without constricting the tree’s growth or causing damage.

Monitor and Remove

Monitor the tree regularly to assess its growth and stability. Once the tree has established a strong root system and can support itself, usually within one to two growing seasons, remove the stakes and ties to allow the tree to grow freely.

Properly staking a tree can help promote healthy growth and stability, but it’s important to monitor the tree’s progress and remove the stakes and ties once they are no longer needed to avoid long-term damage.