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Watering Young Trees
Regular watering helps your tree grow deep roots and stay healthy. Deep roots also reduce damage to nearby sidewalks over time.
Watering Schedule
| Time | How Much | How Often |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | 10 gallons | Every day |
| First month | 10 gallons | Once a week |
| Months 2–6 | 10 gallons | Every other week |
| Months 6–12 | 10 gallons | Every other week. Skip if the ground is soaked from rain. |
| Years 3–5 | 20 gallons | Once a month during hot, dry weather |
| Year 5+ | As needed | During hot, dry weather only |
How to water: Fill the basin slowly until the soil is moist 4 to 6 inches below the surface. Do not let water overflow.
Sprinklers: Lawn sprinklers do not provide enough water for trees; they only wet a few inches of soil and encourage weak surface roots.
Watch for drought stress: Wilting, yellowing, curling, or browning leaves are warning signs.
Mulching
Apply mulch twice a year in late spring and early fall.
- Spread a 3 to 5 inch layer of mulch over the soil around the tree
- Start a few inches away from the base of the trunk
- Extend 1 to 2 feet out from the trunk
- Do not let mulch touch the trunk
- Remove any weeds or grass around the base; they compete with the tree for water
Staking and Pruning
Structural pruning in year two is affordable, corrects early defects and prevents costly problems later.
| Time | Task |
|---|---|
| 12 to 18 months after planting | Remove stakes once the tree stands on its own |
| Year 2 | Arrange first structural pruning with an approved tree contractor. |
| Year 5+ | Arrange second pruning with an approved tree contractor |