Tree Watering and Caring for Newly Planted Trees

If you have one of the new native trees provided by the City of College Park, or if you have recently planted a tree on your own, you will want to do what it takes to help that tree thrive. Trees are designed to survive a long time, sure, but the weather can be unpredictable with periodic droughts. One can give your trees that extra edge for survival. Here are some tips to help you care for your trees.

1. Give your tree the right amount of water. Watering is the most crucial aspect of tree care. Newly planted trees have small root systems, so their ability to draw water from the soil is rather meager. It is essential to provide young trees with adequate moisture to ensure their survival to expand their root system. Generally, new trees in Maryland need about 1 inch of rain per week. If our rainfall is inadequate, you should ensure that your tree gets around 25 gallons of water each week. If the weather is particularly dry, these 25 gallons should be distributed twice weekly; that is, 12½ gallons of water per half-week. These recommendations are approximate and should be supplemented by observing your tree and the vegetation around it.

2. How can one check if the trees need watering? One method is with an inexpensive soil moisture meter to check the percentage of water in the soil. One can purchase a moisture meter at a hardware store. Another method is to insert a screwdriver in the ground. Typically if it won’t go into the soil about six inches at the tree’s dripline the tree needs watering.

3. Water deeply. A common mistake is shallow watering, which only wets the top layer of soil. Instead, water your tree deeply, allowing the moisture to penetrate the soil and reach the tree's root system. This encourages the roots to grow deeper, making the tree more resilient. Apply water slowly to avoid runoff. Use a sprinkler or drip hose. One method is to fill a five gallon bucket with water that has holes that allow it to drain slowly. Installing water bags on young trees is a very effective way to water. One fills up the bag and leaves it to drain slowly.

4. Timing can help your watering be more effective. Watering your tree early in the morning or late in the evening is ideal. Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day when water can evaporate quickly, before it reaches your tree’s roots.

5. Be aware that young trees will take at least two years to expand their root systems and become established. You can also help your new tree with mulch but not too much. A 2” layer of mulch, applied around the base of the tree can help to conserve soil moisture, suppress weed growth, and can reduce soil temperature. One should create a shallow donut around the tree but don’t bury the root collar with mulch. The mulch should not touch the tree’s bark because the mulch will eventually decay. Avoid creating volcano mulches which can cause the tree to grow surface roots into mulch which will eventually die.

Patience is a virtue when caring for newly planted trees. It takes time for a tree to establish roots and adapt to its new environment. Be vigilant and persistent in providing the necessary care during the early years and your efforts will be rewarded with a healthy, flourishing tree for generations to come. The Tree and Landscape Board with the help of the city communications department produced a Tree Planting and Watering video. Click this link to view: Tree Planting and Water Video - Tree and Landscape Board College Park, MD or see it below.

Other useful information can be found at this link: Watering Trees and Shrubs | University of Maryland Extension