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Watering Guide: Irrigation management for new plantings
Regular irrigation after planting encourages rapid root growth that is essential for establishment of new plantings. Remember - rain doesn’t always saturate the entire root ball! When watering, be sure to fill the dirt ring in a manner that does not break the ring.
Apply 1-2 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter over the root ball in a manner so that all water soaks into the root ball (example – 2 to 4 gallons for a 2 inch tree). Never add irrigation if the root ball is saturated. Establishment takes approximately 4 months per inch of trunk caliper. In drought periods, the tree may require extra water if recently established.
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Size of Tree
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Irrigation for Vigor
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Irrigation for Survival
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< 2 inch caliper
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Daily for 2 weeks; every other day for 2 months; weekly until established.
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Twice weekly for 2-3 months
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2-4 inch caliper
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Daily for 1 month; every other day for 3 months; weekly until established.
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Twice weekly for 3-4 months
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> 4 inch caliper
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Daily for 6 weeks; every other day for 5 months; weekly until established
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Twice weekly for 4-5 months
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Palm Trees
The root ball and surrounding soil should remain evenly moist, but never saturated during the first 4-6 months after installation (allow area to dry before next watering – constant watering will kill palms). Newly transplanted specimen palms should not be expected to produce a great deal of new top growth during the first year after transplanting; much of the palm’s energy reserves will be channeled into new root growth. Drenching the root zone 2-4 times during the first few months with a fungicide labeled for landscape use on soil borne root fungal pathogens is recommended for high value palms. A light surface application of a slow-release palm grade granular fertilizer can be banded at the margins of the root ball 3-4 months after transplanting. A foliar spray of soluble micronutrients may be beneficial during this period since root absorption activity may be limited. When the appearance of new leaves indicates that the establishment has been successful, a regular fertilization program can begin.
The following factors should be considered regarding irrigation for newly planted trees:
- Species
- Climate/Time of Year
- Exposure (Light, Wind)
- Soil Type (Sand vs. Clay!!!)
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Encourages Growth
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Limits Growth
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Loose soil
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Compacted soil
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Proper irrigation management
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Little or no irrigation
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Mulch 8’ or more around planting hole
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Grass and weeds close to trunk
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Root flare slightly above soil surface
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Planting too deep
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Leaving top of tree intact
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Pruning at planting
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**The majority of this information has been obtained from the University of Florida, more information can be obtained at http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/planting/index.htm |
