If you’re new to Port St Lucie or the surrounding areas, or just don’t know much about watering your fruit trees, this article is for you. Read on below to find out some of our Yard Pro tips when it comes to watering your delicious fruit trees.
 

What happens to excess water trees?

Soil saturation happens when water gets in the gaps between soil particles, which normally are covered by air. In this case, oxygen is not available to the tree’s roots for breathing. If this happens often the roots eventually will suffocate and end up dying. The soil that is wet can also provide favorable conditions for root-rot organisms. Certain trees, like river birch, bald Cypress, and sycamore tolerate soils that are wet. However, generally speaking, it is better to keep soils moist, rather than saturated and wet and then allow them to dry between irrigation.

What can I do to tell whether my tree is receiving excessive amounts of water?

The signs of overwatering or prolonged flooding of soil include:

  • Yellow leaves, typically beginning from the lower branches in the center of the canopy
  • The young shoots are prone to a flurry of spores.
  • Green leaves that are hard and brittle
  • Dark brown or black roots (symptoms from root rot)
  • Algae or fungus growing on the soil’s surface or on the surface of roots.

 

How often do I need to water my tree to prevent overwatering and stress due to drought?

In general, trees should be watered approximately every week throughout summer. However, this depends on the weather conditions like the amount of rainfall and temperature. Sometimes, a tree might require to be more or less this amount. The best way to assess the need for water is to check the soil surrounding the tree. In the soil, dig about 1″ deep and then feel for any moisture. If the soil is dry, it’s time to water it. If it’s moist you can wait for a few days and then check it again. In the event that soil remains damp then there’s likely to be a few days before the tree will require more water.

The water that is drained in this condition could result in the soil becoming anaerobic (where oxygen is sucked out of the soil) and could result in serious damage to trees in the long run. When you are watering (or plantation for the issue) be sure to study the species of tree in question. Different species have distinct water requirements and some species thrive in conditions that others are not able to tolerate.

 

How do I apply how much water to my tree at every irrigation?

A common rule for irrigation of the trees would be to use 5 gallons for every inch of diameter of the trunk. This should be applied at an incline. To encourage the growth of outward-facing roots Water at the edge of the ball, or near the drip line, instead of right close to the tree’s trunk. A different watering area is for trees that are newly planted which haven’t yet established roots outside of the area of the hole they are planting. They can benefit from watering on the drip line or the edges of the root ball, however, it’s best to add water over the top, in addition to the drip line.

Mature trees that are watering just next to the trunk may stimulate circling roots, which could cause the tree to collapse and become a suffocating hazard in the near future. Watering deeply and in the right amount is crucial since it stimulates deeper root development. Roots typically grow in the upper 18″ of soil but if water is applied too lightly (or in insufficient amounts) most roots will develop within six inches of the upper”. Roots that are deeper contribute to drought-resistant and anchorage strength.

 

What are the best methods for watering of fruit trees?

  • Automatic irrigation system for drip applications and bubbler heads
  • Soaker pipes
  • Regular garden hoses on a slow trickle.
  • Bags used for irrigation like those made by Treegator and Oozetube. The bag is fixed to the tree, filled with water. Water is slowly absorbed into the soil via tiny holes that are located in inside of the bag.
  • If the trees are located in an area that is well-maintained, make sure to water them separately away from grass (unless your irrigation technique for your turf isn’t frequent or deep enough to be optimal for the trees). Do not keep the soil around the roots moist.

What should I do to water my tree the most effectively?

Apply mulch to the tree’s drip line to keep moisture in the tree.

  • Drinking water late at night, when the rates of evaporation are at their lowest.
  • Remove weeds that encroach on the water resources.
  • Create a basin around your tree by constructing a berm around the drip line to prevent the water from escaping.
  • Avoid using spray head sprinklers because an enormous amount of water goes off in the breeze and evaporates by this method

If you’re still not too sure about what to do with your fruit trees and how to water them, you should call the professionals that have over 20+ years of experience. Besides showing you how to keep your trees watered, the professionals can help you with a plethora of other landscaping services.