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WATERING newly planted???

Posted by Ibanez540r 6 - NE Ohio (My Page) on
Wed, Apr 25, 12 at 19:52

Does anyone have a good rule of thumb or recommendation on how much and how often to water a newly planted tree?
It is a forest pansy redbud that is 1.75" caliber. Planted in some pretty clay like soil with a little bit of organic amendments. Was B&B.

Will be on drip.

Thanks!


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: WATERING newly planted???

There are no magic number numbers, because each case is different and many cases vary greatly! Anyone giving you actually numbers (without a careful study of your site) is giving you a baseless guess. The fact that you used organic amendment probably complicates the situation. Hopefully, the percentage of your amendment was very low (around 5% is OK, more than that is contraindicated).

We can tell you how to determine how much, and when, to water your tree. Section 12 in the guide, linked below, hopefully does a good job of supplying this info. Remember...
a. Longer (deeper), less frequent watering is much better than shorter (quick), frequent watering.
b. Check the soil (the finger test, described in the link works well) around and inside the rootball to ensure proper moisture levels.
c. Soil at the level of the rootball should be kept moist but not wet. The soil's surface should be allowed to begin drying in between waterings.

Here is a link that might be useful: See Section 12.


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RE: WATERING newly planted???

is it properly mulched???

after that.. insert finger.. and water when the soil under the mulch is hot or dry ...

you need a deep watering .. and then near drying before you water deeply again ...

planting in bad clay.. does not involve adding water retaining peat ... and is usually done high ... [which is probably in another section of brandons link]

if you dig a hole.. and fill it with water.. does it perk.. or drain away???

watering is an art.. defined by YOUR SOIL.. we cannot tell you anything about that.. hence the reason for inserting your finger.. in your soil ...

ken


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RE: WATERING newly planted???

General rule of thumb is 5 gallons per inch diameter once per week. First 6 weeks after planting - twice per week. Of course if it rains that week - decrease frequency. Reduce frequency if day temps. are under 80 F. This works in hot dry Z8 Texas clay soil.


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RE: WATERING newly planted???

For watering new trees, I just turn the hose on a trickle and let it run for a few hours. We have fairly loose loam soil around here, which is nice - I only water if I've just planted or we're in the middle of a drought. Once trees have been in the ground for a year, I do nothing. I've planted a lot of seedlings this year, not even watering them, and they've done fine. We've gotten lucky this spring - We had a warm start, but it's been cool and moist for the whole month of April.


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RE: WATERING newly planted???

"General rule of thumb is 5 gallons per inch diameter once per week. First 6 weeks after planting - twice per week..."

Blindly using such a 'general rule of thumb' is a great way to kill a tree in many scenarios.


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RE: WATERING newly planted???

well brandon..

that rule is perfect.. FOR SCOT'S SOIL ...

but the poster can not use that general rule.. without understanding how that amount of water.. moves thru his CLAY soil ...

no guessing.. FIND OUT.. perk your soil ...

if i dig a hole.. exactly the size of a 5 gal bucket.. and pour 5 gallons in my mineral sand ... that 5 gallons will be gone.. within 2 minutes ..

i have seen clay soil ... where that same water.. will be there.. HOURS!!! later ...

in one circumstance .. 5 gallons will not be a problem.. in the other.. you can kill the tree ...

IMHO.. with trees.. water is not really the issue ... on an established tree ... they all can grow with no help from man.. other than rain ..

the issue with our interference .. is DRAINAGE ...

ken


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RE: WATERING newly planted???

Tonto say he make it rain, he do funny dance around totem pole.


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