Newly planted apple tree question.

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Kakoos Bakersfield, CA May 26, 2014

Hi, I'm new here and to gardening in general.

I live in Bakersfield, CA in the countryside. I have a bit of ground and decided to add more to it. I recently bought a Red McIntosh Apple tree and planted it in my side yard. It's been little more than a week now. When I bought it, its leaves were slightly curled inward at the edges and some leaves had brown spots. When I planted it, the curled or folded more and then stopped and it has stayed like that.

The yard is watered frequently. I had been told that it might be due to watering it too much, and then I had been told that new trees need a lot of water.

Sorry if it's a stupid question. I was just wondering if it's a watering issue, another issue, or if it's normal.

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Diana_K Contra Costa County, CA(Zone 9b) May 26, 2014

I just planted an Avocado and a Persimmon from 5 gallon cans, and the temperatures have been in the 80s most of the week, and I am only watering them twice a week. (might have hit 90 today)
Good soil prep included:
Hole is twice as wide, but no deeper than the can.
About 1/3 organic matter in the hole, blended with 2/3 original soil,
A berm around the plant to hold the water, a bit wider than the hole.
Thick layer of mulch to reduce the water evaporating from around the plant.

If it has been really hot you might think about rigging up a bit of shade for the hottest part of the day.
Stick a freshly sharpened pencil in the soil near the trunk. If it comes out dark then the soil is still moist, do not water. If it comes out with a few dark spots, but mostly dry then water.
At first stick it into the soil where the original soil in the can is because that is all the roots the plant has. But water an additional area around the plant so the roots can spread out into the native soil.
As the root spread you can water less often, but a deeper soaking.

The exact timing on the watering will depend on what sort of soil you have. Sandy soil does not hold water very well, and a new plant will need frequent light watering. Silty to clay soil holds water much better, but needs a deep, thorough soaking to get it wet. Then you can hold off a long time before watering again.

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