The sunny season is almost here. The days are getting warmer, and we should savour every opportunity to enjoy this summer heat. Unfortunately, higher temperatures are also often dry and while we can take a soak in the pool or head to the beach, our trees don’t have those options. That’s why you need to water your trees during this warm and dry time of the year, especially as droughts have been a recent risk in Ontario. However, there are some DOs and DON’Ts to watering your trees. We’ll explain how to properly refresh your trees rather than drown them during these high temperatures.
The DOs of Watering Your Trees
- DO water your trees at least once a week – During the summer and warmer spring days, you should water your trees at least once a week. In periods of extended drought, it might be necessary to water more frequently. Monitor the soil to see how quickly it dries out. Newer trees have less established roots, so they will also need more frequent watering.
- DO water in the morning or evening – During the morning and evening, temperatures are cooler which means the water has a reduced chance of evaporating than during the midday highs. Trees’ roots run around a foot (30cm) underneath the soil, so watering in the morning and evening will allow the water to soak deeper into the soil and give roots a refreshing drink.
- DO water around the tree – Water the area around the tree since its roots spread out in the soil underneath. Most tree roots spread equally to the canopy, so use the branches above as a rough metric for the watering area. A soaker hose laid in a coil around the tree a foot away from the trunk or a sprinkler aimed at the soil around the tree can make watering a large area much easier.
- DO soak the soil – Since trees’ roots run deep, give the soil underneath a proper soaking. Shallow watering won’t let the water truly sink into the lower soil and hit all the winding roots. Give the watering plenty of time. It’s better to do one thorough watering than multiple shallow ones. Some trees will even need an hour. Again, soaker hoses and sprinklers can make this simpler.
- DO check your watering restriction bylaws – If you live in a town or city, it’s possible that a watering restriction will be imposed during the summer. Be sure to check the specifics of this. Watering is often still permitted for trees when lawns are prohibited because the loss of a tree has a higher cost.
- DO mulch around the tree – Placing mulch around the tree will protect the soil from the sun and keep it cool. This will help it retain moisture, meaning more efficient and potentially less frequent watering periods. If you don’t have any mulch, grass clippings make a great alternative.
- This DO comes with an early DON’T. DON’T place mulch directly around the trunk. The wet mulch will put the trunk at risk of rot.
The DON’Ts of Watering Your Trees
- DON’T Over Water – Trees can need a lot of water, especially during a hot summer, but there is a limit. After watering, let the soil dry out before watering again. If the area remains moist, it can introduce rot or other pathogens to the tree. For this same reason, be mindful when using watering bags. They can be a great watering tool, but make sure your tree needs it. Otherwise, you will risk exposing the tree to pests or rot.
- DON’T water the leaves – It’s a myth that water on leaves causes a lensing effect that burns holes in the leaves. The bigger issue about watering leaves is that trees absorb water through their roots, not their branches. Spraying their leaves only wastes that precious water.
- DON’T spray the trunk – Ensure the water is soaking the soil and not the tree’s trunk. The droplets are also potential vectors for bacteria, pests, and rot that can harm the tree. Watering the trunk can introduce those pathways.
- DON’T Prune During a Drought – During an extended dry period, you don’t want to do anything that unnecessarily stresses the tree. Extensive pruning while the tree lacks water can negatively affect the tree.
- DON’T Fertilize During a Dry Period – Fertilizers are great for fostering plant growth, but growing trees also need lots of water. Don’t fertilize during dryer periods since it will cause stress to the tree.
Watering Lets Your Trees Enjoy Summer
Watering during higher temperatures and dry periods is essential for your trees. With enough water, they can keep their green leaves and enjoy the sunlight while giving you precious shade. Be sure to follow these DOs and DON’Ts for effective and healthy watering. If you have more questions or are wondering about watering a specific tree be sure to contact us at Advanced Tree Care.
