Tips on Tree Watering from the Colorado Tree Coalition
Sometimes your trees could use a drink. Prolonged dry periods and high winds can dry trees and soil. Watering your trees will help ensure their optimum health.
Tree roots are not like carrots
Tree root systems can spread two to four times wider than the height of the tree. Most of the tree's absorbing roots are in the top 12 inches of soil.
Water should be applied within the drip line (see above).
Water deeply and slowly
Apply water so it moistens the soil in the critical root zone to a depth of 12 inches. Water with a deep root fork, soaker hose, 5-gallon bucket or soft spray wand. See the graphic above for guidance on where to water. If you use a deep root fork or needle, insert the device no deeper than 8 inches into the soil.
How much water to apply
- April through September: In normal precipitation years, trees located in irrigated grassy areas do not need additional water. Trees planted among ColoradoScapes and native grass will need supplemental water. When watering restrictions prohibit turf watering, or if trees are not in irrigated grass areas, water small trees four times per month, medium trees three times per month and large trees two times per month. See the recommended tree watering schedules below.
- October through April: During prolonged dry periods, water once or twice a month, using 10 gallons of water for each inch of the tree’s diameter. Water only when the temperature is above 40 degrees and there is no snow on the ground.
Mulch helps retain soil moisture
Mulch helps conserve soil moisture. Apply organic mulch within the drip line, at a depth of 3 to 4 inches. It is best to eliminate grass prior to adding mulch. Leave a 6-inch space between the mulch and the tree trunk. Mulch materials may include inorganic mulch, like squeegee, or organic mulch, such as wood chips, bark, leaves and evergreen needles.
Moisture is needed to avoid disease
Maintaining consistent soil moisture allows for better water absorption. Stressed trees are more vulnerable to disease, insect infestations and branch dieback.
The Colorado Tree Coalition has more advice about tree health from professional foresters, arborists and water conservation specialists.
Summer tree watering schedule (April–September)
| April–September Shrub Watering Schedule (minimum water requirements) |
|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 3 feet tall | 4-5 feet tall | 6 feet tall or greater | |||||||
| 2 gallons 1x/week | 5 gallons 3x/month | 10 gallons 2x/month | |||||||
*If water is pooling or running off into the gutter, try the cycle-and-soak method: Stop watering and wait 30 minutes for the water to percolate down into the soil
Winter tree watering (October–March)
| October–March Tree Watering Schedule* (minimum water requirements) |
|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small trees | Medium trees | Large trees | |||||||
| Weekly (10 gallons/inch) |
Three times a month (10 gallons/inch) |
Two times a month (15 gallons/inch) |
|||||||
| Trunk size in diameter (inches) |
1" | 2" | 3" | 4" | 6" | 8" | 10" | 12" | 14" |
| Watering Device | |||||||||
2 gal/minute
|
5 min |
10 min |
15 min |
20 min |
30 min |
40 min |
50 min |
60 min |
70 |
wand 4 gal/min
|
3 min |
5 min |
8 min |
10 min |
15 min |
20 min |
25 min |
30 min |
35 |
2 gal/min (50 feet with restrictor)
|
5 min |
10 min |
15 min |
20 min |
30 min |
40 min |
50 min |
60 min |
70 |
*Water only when the temperature is above 40 degrees and there is no snow on the ground. If water is pooling or running off into the gutter, try the cycle-and-soak method: Stop watering and wait 30 minutes for the water to percolate down into the soil.