Best Practices for Watering and Fertilizing Your Trees

Do you know that over 50% of the tree health issues are because they are not properly watered and fertilized? Homeowners often think that their trees do not need to adopt any proper watering practices or essential nutrients. They might think of themselves as self-sufficient as they might consider sunlight and rainfall enough for their vitality. However, this might be true for dense forest but not for a residential landscape. 

Adopting proper watering and fertilization, you can transform diseased and weakened trees to the next level. Trees can continue to flourish in your landscapes. But one must avoid overwatering, shallow watering, or using the wrong fertilizer. This can cause severe damage. In this guide, we will tell you how you can master the best practices for watering and fertilizing your trees. This will not only make you stronger and healthier but also extend longevity for a lifetime to come. 

Best Practices for Watering Your Trees

Understanding The Water Needs of Your Tree

Before you begin understanding how you can make your trees flourish, you must know the hydration requirements of your trees. This will help to form an effective watering schedule. Different species have varying water needs. 

 Factors Affecting Water Needs

• Tree Species: It varies from tree to tree. Consider an oak tree. It survives without much water compared to other trees. However, trees like maple or willow need a lot of water since they grow fast. 
• Soil: Sandy soil loses water quickly and demands extra water, unlike clay soil, which retains water.
• Climate: Hot and dry zones need more water than humid areas.
• Age of your tree: Young trees need constant watering for root establishment. Mature trees can cope better as they have extensive root systems. 

Signs of Overwatering vs. Underwatering: 

Overwatering: If you overwater too much, your leaves can turn yellow and cause root rot. It can also contribute to fungal growth.

Underwatering: It causes the wilting of leaves and inhibits the proper development of trees.

Knowing these facts will help you to shape a proper tree care routine that is free from such common mistakes. 

When and How Often to Water Trees

For healthy root development, you must water your trees frequently. This will help prevent stress and boost up its development. 

Best Time to Water Trees:

• Early Morning: Between 5 and 9 AM is best to give water to your trees. Your soil soaks up the water before the heat evaporates it.
• Evening Watering: You may also choose to water in the evening, but can lead to fungal problems if the water does not dry.

Seasonal Adjustments:

• Spring & Summer: This is the period of active growth. You must water your trees once or twice a week.
• Fall: In this season, trees get ready to rest. Minimal water required. 
• Winter: Although trees rest, they still need water to live in dry weather. Supply water on mild winter days when there is neither snow nor rain.

Watering Frequency Based on Tree Age:

• Newly planted greens (0–2 years old): Water 2–3 times per week to establish the roots in the soil.
• Young Trees (2–5 years old): Water once a week. 
• Mature Trees (More than 5 years old): Just water every 2–3 weeks. 

Best Watering Techniques for Trees

It’s not only always about the timing of your watering schedule, but the way you do it. Following are the best Watering Methods you can opt for:

• Deep Root Watering: Do not lightly sprinkle the water on the soil surface. But ensure that the water penetrates 12–18 inches into the soil.
• Drip Irrigation: This is another effective method that gradually releases the water allowing absorption within the soil. 
• Soaker Hoses: Ideal for hydrating the entire root zone without causing runoff.
• Bucket or Gator Bags: Use this method if you just planted new trees. This helps to release water slowly. 

How can I Water Newly Planted Trees? 

1. Water at the drip line (area under the outermost branches) and not under the base of the tree. 
2. Use about 5–10 gallons of water per week to water your trees.
3. You can use mulch to cover the area to regulate the moisture levels. 

All such techniques help avoid water wastage and conserve it.

Best Practices for Fertilizing Your Trees

Why Trees Need Fertilizer?

Lack of nutrients can hinder the normal growth and development of the tree. Professional arborists advise to maintain the optimal balance of both macronutrients and micronutrients. As their deficiency can affect their normal functioning and lead to stunted growth. 

Fertilizer benefits trees by: 

• Increasing resistance to pests and diseases 
• Improving flower and fruit production. 
• Developing strong roots and improving foliage

Choosing the Right Fertilizer: 

The fertilizer formula should be optimized to ensure your trees get proper nutrients. They are labeled with a NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium) % ratio. 

Understanding NPK Ratios:

• High Nitrogen: Promotes leaf and branch growth. 
• Optimal balance of NPK: Important for tree health and maintenance.
• Low Nitrogen, High Phosphorus & Potassium: Promotes fruiting and flowering. 

Organic vs. Synthetic Fertilizers:

Fertilizer Type Pros Cons 

Organic fertilizers (compost, manure, bone meal, fish emulsion)- enhances the soil health, and lets nutrients come out slowly, gentle on the earth. It works slowly, thereby requiring several applications. Furthermore, if you are seeking a natural fertilization method, use mulched leaves, wood chips, or even aged manure.

Synthetic fertilizers (granular, liquid, and slow release)-  These artificial fertilizers are more efficient in producing results and optimizing the content of various nutrients within plants, but may over-fertilize. 

When and How to Fertilize Trees

You can stress trees or encourage weak, excessive growth if you use fertilizers at the wrong time. The best Seasons for Fertilizing Trees are: 

• Spring (March-May): Ideal for boosting early-season growth. 
• Early Fall (September–November): Can help to store nutrients for winter dormancy. 
• Avoid Late Fall & Winter:  Causes new growth to freeze. 

Using fertilizer the right way, maximizes absorption and helps your tree to properly grow. 

How to Apply Fertilizer Properly?

1. Correct site for application: Do not apply the fertilizer directly near the trunk of the tree. Rather, apply it on the drip lines as the roots, which access nutrients, go beyond the tree’s canopy. 
2. Granular Fertilizer: Apply the fertilizer directly on the drip line and water the area so the nutrients can seep through the soil. 
3. Liquid Fertilizer: Use a foliar spray to apply it.
4. Fertilizer that releases slowly: These are important for trees that require long-term, steady nutrient absorption 

Conclusion

To conclude, if you want your trees to be healthy, lush and strong, you must care for them properly. You can cater to the unique needs of your trees by integrating proper watering practices and the best fertilizer in your tree care routines. So, Act now – look at your trees, change how you care for them and see them thrive. 

If you want expert help, call Tree Services NYC for skilled tree care. We specialize in tree care and provide sustainable growth solutions to ensure long-term growth and resilience of your greens! Partner with us today to get a free landscape assessment!