When summertime hits, you probably carefully water your garden and your flowers to protect them from the heat. But what about your trees?
Once your property’s trees are well-established, it can be easy to forget about watering them during summer. Some native trees can handle a typical dry season, but in times of sustained drought, most trees need a helping hand. If you notice that your tree has dry or dying branches during the summer, or if leaves are changing to their fall colors too soon, your tree probably is suffering the effects of too little water. This poor health, in turn, creates an environment that attracts pests which will further damage the tree.
Go Deep for Good Health
The key to healthy trees in dry weather is a deep root watering system. The deeper you can water your trees, the farther down their roots will grow. Shallow-growing roots do not adequately stabilize the tree, so encouraging the tree’s roots to go down deep into the soil, at least 12 inches, is critical. This depth helps your tree establish a robust root system to withstand droughts and storms better.
Three Tips for Deep Root Watering Your Trees
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Water early in the morning.
This rule holds for any watering you need to do on your property as it allows more water to remain in the soil, rather than having it evaporate. Late evening watering works too, for the same reason. A good morning drink will allow your trees to stay refreshed during the heat of the day.
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Water slowly.
Quick watering will not help your trees much. Slow watering will allow it to soak deeply into the soil to promote healthy root growth. A drip irrigation system is perfect for achieving a deep root watering.
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Water within the drip line.
The drip line is the spot on the ground, all the way around the tree, that water will drip off the widest part of the canopy. This area is the zone in which watering is most effective for your trees.
Giving your trees the deep root watering they require will allow them to thrive with a sturdy, robust root system. For help with your trees and their care, give Tampa Tree a call today.
