So you have saved and planned. Earlier this spring, you planted. Whether it was a fruit, nut, or decorative tree, you can envision it tall and shady. But even young trees need help. Trees need considerably more water in the summer heat with winds blowing than in cooler climes or non-windy climates. MDC (Missouri Department of Conservation) and Stark Bro’s, fruit tree experts, offer these sages of advice.
How Much Do They Need?
Stark Bro’s suggests new trees require 1 gallon of water every seven days. The need for additional water increases as the tree grows leaves throughout summer. MDC explains why,
Living plants are more than 50-percent water [1].
And a grown tree can take in and breathe out over 100 gallons of water per day.
Water Stress
When trees do not receive adequate water, they come down with water stress. Even if they get proper amounts of water but are in a windy environment, they lose more than they can afford to. You can see this as the leaves droop, turn color, and fall from trees.
Avoid Stress
You can help your tree avoid water stress by watering frequently. Figure how much rain comes twice a week, and water the tree that much. Most places get two inches of rain per week. Drip irrigation is best. Watering early in the morning or evening is preferred over mid-day.
One can also add mulch around the tree’s base to slow the evaporation.
For more information, you can go to MDC’s site here. After spending so much time planning and starting your new tree growing, it would be a shame to have it die, especially when the tools to keep it alive are in your hands.
Notes:
- ^ {{MDC encourages public to water and mulch trees during extreme drought}} (go back ↩)
