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A Guide to
Tree Care in
Dry Climates
English/Español
Tips
on Tree
Watering
from Denver Water and
the Community Tree Alliance
Tree roots are not like carrots.
Tree root systems can spread two to three times wider than the height of the tree. Most of the tree's absorbing roots are in the top twelve inches of the soil. Water should be applied within the dripline (the critical root zone shown below).
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The boxed area is the dripline, or critical root zone. |
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For xeriscape and conservation information, visit: www.denverwater.org. Visit saver.denverwater.org for suggestions on care of your trees and shrubs in our dry climate. The web site offers tips from tree care professionals on the following subjects:
These recommendations were prepared by the Community Tree Alliance, which is comprised of tree professionals from the following: |
Water deeply and slowly.
Apply water so it moistens the soil in the critical root zone to a depth of 12 inches. Methods for watering include a deep root fork or needle, soaker hose or soft spray wand. Apply water to many locations under dripline. If a deep root fork or needle is used, insert the device no deeper than eight inches into the soil.
How much water to apply.
To assure survival of the tree, apply 10 gallons of water for each inch of the tree's diameter. For example, a two-inch diameter tree will need 20 gallons per watering. Use a ruler to measure your tree's diameter.
When to water.
During prolonged dry periods in the fall and winter (October - March), water one to two times per month. Water only when temperature is above 40 degrees and no snow cover exists.
Mulch helps retain soil moisture.
Mulch is critical to conserve soil moisture. Apply organic mulch within the dripline, at a depth of four inches. It's best to eliminate turf prior to adding mulch. Leave a six-inch space between the mulch and trunk of trees. Mulch materials may include wood chips, bark, leaves and evergreen needles.
Moisture is needed to avoid disease.
Stressed trees are more vulnerable to disease and insect infestations and branch dieback. Keep a watchful eye for anything that looks out of the ordinary.
Fall/Winter Tree Watering Schedule (Oct-Mar) | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Trees | Medium Trees | Large Trees | ||||||||||
| Weekly 10 gal/"diameter | 3x/Month 10 gal/"diameter | 2x/Month 15 gal/"diameter | |||||||||
| <1" | 1" | 2" | 4" | 6" | 8" | 10" | 12" | 14"+ | ||||
| Watering Device | ||||||||||||
|
2 | 5 | 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | 50 | 60 | 70+ | |||
| Minutes | ||||||||||||
|
2 | 5 | 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | 50 | 60 | 70+ | |||
| Minutes | ||||||||||||
|
1 | 3 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35+ | |||
| Minutes | ||||||||||||
|
2 | 5 | 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | 50 | 60 | 70+ | |||
