Supplemental watering vs. long-term health of tree

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Maackia Eau Claire, WI Jul 05, 2006

I'm afraid my tree & shrub watering habit is bordering on obsessive-compulsive. We're going through another dry summer and I am spending more and more time (and water) on this than what is probably needed. While I can rationalize and say this is being done to keep the tree/shrub healthy (with optimal growth), is it possible this might be doing more harm than good in the long run? With our extremely well drained soil there's really no chance of overwatering, but could the end result be a root system that is not as well developed as it should be? Rainfall this summer is about 3" below average, and I've been watering trees (like Ostrya) that were planted more than two years ago. While its very dry here, we're not in a severe drought--at least not yet.

Bob

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StarhillForest Illinois, IL(Zone 5b) Jul 06, 2006

We are in a severe drought here (again!) and I wish I had more water available. The creek just went dry already yesterday and I have only about 1000 gallons in storage, then I have to start drawing down the pond (our potable water source).

I'd say, if you can afford to do so, water like mad in your sandy soil.

Guy S.

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andycdn Ottawa, ON(Zone 5a) Aug 01, 2006

If you're watering once a week, very deeply, that should keep the tree's root system happy. Newly established trees would be better with twice weekly.

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CoreHHI Bluffton, SC(Zone 9a) Aug 02, 2006

With older trees I really don't water unless something looks bad. If you always water trees their not going to develope good root systems or become drought tolerant. If you water them all the time you will have to water them all the time. Andycdn is right if you water, once a week deep watering is the way to go. That doesn't mean go out there and use your hose to dump 25 Gals on it in 5 minutes.

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