Tree Care Tip: Proper Watering is Important All Year and Especially in Summer
As part of good tree care, proper watering is important, especially during the summer months when less rain falls and other seasonal growing plants compete for the available water. Stein Tree Service offers some watering tips for optimal tree health.
Proper Watering Tips for Ideal Tree Care and Health
Watering best practices vary with the season and with a tree’s growth phase. A newly planted tree needs to be handled differently than an established tree; they may require a different watering schedule or need different amounts of water. Other factors, such as climate, soil, and the type of tree can all determine the best methods and times to water. For example, leaves can get scalded by the sun if one waters during the wrong part of the day.
Generally, the only parts of a tree that need water are the roots. While you can directly water your flowers or a vegetable garden, tree root systems absorb water from the soil and distribute it throughout the rest of a tree. A good practice is to water deeply and slowly, giving the roots enough time to soak up enough water.
Checking for soil moisture is a good way to see if your trees need watering. However, merely looking at the surface soil is inadequate. Check for moistness by feeling the soil about two inches under the surface. You can use a spade or your hands to push topsoil away for this purpose. If the soil feels dry, you need to water.
