Spring Watering Tips for Thriving Trees

Like people, trees need water to survive. Some types of trees require more water during the winter months, others can make it through the winter without any need for additional watering, especially in the colder regions of the United States. However, when the dormancy period ends in the spring, gardeners must start their watering schedule to ensure their trees experience successful leafing and growth during the warmer seasons.

Spring Watering Tips for Thriving Trees

When Do You Water Trees in Spring?

You’ll need to start watering trees in spring before they begin forming buds and leaves. However, supplemental watering isn’t necessary in the springtime unless you live in a region of the United States where weather conditions are arid during the winter.

Start by testing the soil. Dig down four to six inches and see if it feels dry or moist. If it’s dry, you’ll need to start watering the trees. If the tree is already leafing or budding, don’t worry; start watering as soon as possible.

Watering Tips for Saplings and Young Trees

Newly planted trees in the yard require more frequent watering to help with root propagation. The initial three years of the growth cycle are the most important, and gardeners must ensure the soil is moist throughout the growing season.

While watering is critical, it’s important not to waterlog the soil. Waterlogging results in root rot, attracting fungi that damage the roots and stunt growth. Proper watering is essential to keep trees healthy.

Depending on the weather conditions in your area, and the size of the tree, it will need between 5 and 10 gallons of water every week. In the summertime, tree watering must increase to ten gallons a week for optimal growth. Water around the base of the trunk and a foot beyond it. Twice weekly watering is sufficient to give the tree everything it needs during the spring and summer.

If there’s heavy rainfall during the week, you can skip your watering duties. Don’t over-water though, as overwatering can kill the roots.

Spring Watering Tips for Established Trees

While young trees and saplings need plenty of water, you’ll need to water mature trees as well. This will depend on weather conditions in the spring and summer. If you have well-draining soil in your garden, increase watering frequency as the weather warms up in the summer months.

Follow the six-inch deep moisture test discussed earlier to check soil drainage. Water the tree under the entire diameter of the canopy, extending a few feet beyond the canopy drip line. This strategy waters the feeder roots, extending beyond the trunk’s base.

Set up a deep watering drip irrigation system, or soaker hose for the best results in spring and summer watering. This strategy feeds the roots with a steady stream of water and prevents soil waterlogging. The best time to water is in the early morning or evening. This will limit evaporation during the hot afternoon.

The needs of each species of trees and shrubs vary. Some are more drought-tolerant than others. Do your research on the specific trees in your yard and their watering requirements.

The Importance of Watering Your Trees

Trees need water to complete photosynthesis, the process by which they capture light through the leaves and use it to create food. They also absorb CO2 from the soil, air, and water.

The trees in your yard take in water and turn it into oxygen, releasing it into the air. They also absorb carbon dioxide from the air and convert it into glucose for energy storage during the growing season.

It’s important to note that around 10% of the water the tree receives goes into photosynthesis, while the rest goes to transpiration. This process involves the water moving from the roots to the foliage, carrying nutrients throughout the tree. During transpiration, water evaporates from under the leaves, cooling them.

Final Thoughts

Trees need a lot of water during the warmer months of the year. If they don’t receive enough, the tree will decline in health, making it more susceptible to infestation from pests and disease. Start your spring tree care routine and watering schedule. Follow these helpful spring watering tips to keep your trees healthy and thriving.

Omaha Tree Service

At Omaha Tree, our mission is to provide tree care services & mulch products that improve the HEALTH, BEAUTY, & SAFETY of our customers’ trees. We recycle all of our wood waste material from the trees we trim and remove in the greater Omaha metro area. The wood waste material is brought back to our 8-acre site at 3606 McKinley Street, where it is processed into a beautiful & consistent mulch product that is local, fresh, and clean. Contact a certified arborist today.