Understanding a Tree’s Water Needs
A tree’s need for water depends on several things:
- The climate
- The size of the tree
- The type of soil
- The species of the tree
A sudden switch from cool to hot weather can leave a tree without enough water. Trees should always have enough water and should not be allowed to dry out.
Tree Size, Species, and Water Use
- Bigger trees naturally need more water than smaller ones.
- Some species, like fruit trees, may need more water than larger non-fruit trees.
- Young, newly planted trees need less water overall, but they need to be watered more often.
Important Tip: If young trees don’t get enough water, they can stop growing and stay small the rest of the season. Watering them well helps them grow strong roots early.
Soil Type Affects Watering
Different types of soil hold different amounts of water. Here’s a quick guide:
| Soil Type | Water Holding Capacity |
|---|---|
| Sandy Soil | ~1 inch per foot of depth |
| Clay Soil | ~2.7 inches per foot of depth |
| Loam Soil | Between sand and clay |
Watering Guidelines by Soil Type
Sandy Soils
Water every 10-15 days
Clay Soils
Water every 15-20 days
Shallow Soils
Water more often than deep soils
Watering Guidelines by Season
Summer
Water more frequently
Spring & Fall
Space out watering more
Where to Water
Most water-absorbing roots are found near and beyond the dripline—the area below the outer edges of a tree’s branches.
Best Practices:
- Form a shallow basin under the tree (3–6 inches deep)
- The basin should go from the dripline almost to the trunk
- Keep water 12–18 inches away from the trunk to prevent disease
Pro Tip: Avoid keeping the soil around the trunk too wet. This can lead to fungal problems like crown rot.
