The trees on your property provide you with oxygen, shade, and beauty, but, in return, they require a certain amount of attention to stay safe and healthy. Proper tree care involves watering regularly and efficiently. Below, Arbor Authority in Athens, GA, shares a few water rules that, when followed, will help keep your trees standing healthy and tall for many years.

3 Watering Rules for Tree Care

1. Water All of Your Trees

Whether you have freshly planted saplings or well-established, towering trees, they all need watering. For young saplings, they’ll still have a small root ball that will require extra watering to encourage them to grow. During rain-heavy seasons, you might be able to wait between waterings, but, during droughts, you will need to use your hose up to three times a week.

Older, established trees are more self-sustaining and can thrive on less water. Except for the anchor roots, most roots usually stay pretty close to the surface and can extend well beyond the tree’s drip line. Be careful not to overwater to prevent the development of rot.

2. Water Year-Round

Arborists know that it’s not so much the time of year that determines when you should water, but it’s the moisture level. A good way to find out if your trees need to be watered is to see if you can easily push a 10-inch screwdriver into the ground around the tree. If the soil feels solid, use a hose to give it some water.

3. Water Thoroughly

Most homeowners use an overhead sprinkler for their tree care regimen, but, on dry days, up to 50% of that water can be lost to evaporation, along with wind and runoff. A more efficient method is to use a soaker hose that releases water directly into the soil where it’s needed. It can take several hours for the tree to get the amount it needs, and you can check it with the screwdriver test to make sure the water is getting down to 6 or 8 inches underground.

Consistent watering is essential to proper tree care, but other maintenance practices need to be observed to keep your landscape healthy. If you need assistance with tree trimming, removal, or other services, Arbor Authority can help. For 20 years, they have been providing essential tree care to Athens residents. Call them today at (706) 654-6225 or visit their website to learn more about their services.