How to water new shrubs and tree?

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
kcblack Flagstaff, AZ May 28, 2008

I just bought a honey locust and two winterberries. They came in 7G pots, I have transplanted them into 20G pots and buried the pots about 3/4 of the way into the ground. Not the ideal conditions but I rent in a very windy area and cannot add anything permanent to the property.

I have never owned a tree or shrub before and I have no idea how to water. I need some ideas as to how to tell if I am watering too much or too little! The pots are plastic with drainage holes and I added some gravel for added drainage. Yesterday I watered one shrub long enough so that soil was overflowing from the pot and the natural soil aroung the pot was soggy. I got scared so I probably didn't water the other one enough. The tree was picked up yesterday and was soggy when I got it so I tried to just wet the new soil.

I live in Flagstaff AZ and don't know what zones are let alone which one I am in.

I got these specifically so my birds had something to land on. I have no clue what I am doing....Help!!

Post #5015375
Quote
ltalent New York, NY May 29, 2008

You can grow some trees in pots that are at least 20X20X20, but honey locusts are not normally one of them. I think you will have to root prune it periodically, basically bonsai it, to keep it small. Usually you would want a smaller patio tree for a pot like that. Having said that, I admire the idea of sinking it into the ground. I wish I had thought of that as a renter. It's good to keep it moist for the first two weeks (not soaking), do not fertilize for the first year (altho I've done it without problem that is the general rule) and water it when the soil is dry past the first inch. Plants in containers need a lot more water than those in the ground because their soil dries out faster. In the ground, it might retain more water. (MULCH!) I water mine daily when it's really hot, but they sit on exposed brick. Really you need to look at what the tree likes and try to replicate that in the ground. And don't worry. It will tell you when and if it's unhappy.

Those must be grateful birds!

Post #5017535
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Beginner Gardening Threads

Go to all Beginner Gardening threads
BACK TO TOP