6 Essential Tips for Watering Trees in Edmonton’s Hot and Dry Summers
Edmonton has all that sunshine year-round, which is great if you dislike those dreary days. All that sun adds up, and it contributes to our dry climate. This only exacerbates things once summer rolls around. Parts of our province have been through periods of drought for many years. That means we must provide supplemental water to our trees, flowers, grass, and gardens. Whether you have some newly planted trees or some mature trees, Trusty Tree Services and their Edmonton arborists are here with the six essential tips for watering trees in Edmonton’s hot and dry summers.
We’ll help you figure out the right way to water trees so you aren’t wasting water while still giving your tree enough water to thrive. Edmonton has a relatively short growing season, so you’ll want to make the most of your time to water your trees properly. With these helpful tips, you’ll learn the right amount of water, where to provide it, and some methods and techniques to tackle this dry weather confidently. So keep reading; your green friends will thank you.
Timing
One of the major tree-watering tips Edmonton homeowners can employ today is adjusting the timing of their watering. If you have an irrigation or sprinkler system, take note because you will want to adjust your system to account for these times.
Watering in the morning is the most effective choice. If you are an early riser, water your plants from around 4-10 AM. This will allow the water to soak into the soil and root system before evaporation occurs in the afternoon. Trees can then utilize this water throughout the day. This also allows the leaves to dry in the afternoon, reducing the risk of fungal disease.
Watering in the evening, after 6 PM, is perfectly acceptable. Avoid wetting any of the foliage when you water your trees at this time, and instead, just aim for the soil around the base of the tree. This will allow them to absorb water overnight without the risk of fungal growth. Make sure your leaves are dry before nightfall.
Frequency
Your trees do best if you follow a reliable watering frequency. Watering established trees is different than when they are young. How often you water your trees is just as important as how much water you give them. It is an important aspect of tree care. When you water newly planted trees, you’ll need to water deeply once a week. During any heat waves, increase that amount to twice weekly. At this time, you’ll need to monitor soil moisture daily.
Once your tree has become established and matured, you can adjust your watering schedule to every 10–14 days during dry spells. Once they’re over 2 or 3 years old, the tree is established in its root system, and thus it needs less deep root watering. If there is at least 2 or 3 cm of rainfall in the week, increase your watering during prolonged dry periods.
Volume
The amount of water a tree will need depends on its age. Proper care will allow young trees to grow big and strong, while older trees can expand their canopy and truly thrive. Small trees require less watering than their big friends. For mature trees, start by measuring the diameter; you’ll need around 38 litres per 2.5 cm of diameter. Or 10 gallons per inch if you would like to measure imperially. For young trees, aim to provide around 20-38 litres per watering session. Adjust based on the tree’s size and the current soil conditions. This will allow its roots to grow and the tree to become established in the soil.
Methods
If you are wondering how to water trees properly, this is the section for you. Proper watering will allow water to penetrate the soil, resulting in a happier and healthier tree. Some methods you can employ include:
- Drip line watering: Locate the outer edge of the tree’s canopy or drip line. You then circle around this area, watering the tree with a garden hose. You’ll need to extend the watering area slightly beyond the drip line for larger trees.
- Slow and deep watering: Slowly and carefully wind around the outer drip line using a soaker hose. You can create a temporary soil berm around the drip line to hold this water in. Another method is using a bucket. Drill holes in the bucket, fill it with water and place it at the drip line.
- Drip irrigation and water bags: A drip irrigation system is a great method for your young trees. This guarantees reliable and uniform light watering. It provides enough water to moisten the soil without overwatering. Tree watering bags are great because you fill them once or twice a week, and they offer a slow release over several hours. As mentioned above, fill them in the morning for the best results.
Soil Concerns
A good way to check if your plants and trees need more water is by performing a soil check. Soil should be kept moist, although that can be challenging in the hot Edmonton summers. You will want to insert your finger about 10 cm into the soil around the trunk of your tree. If the soil feels dry at this depth, your tree needs water. Here are some tips for watering trees for some common soil types:
- Clay soil: You’ll need to water less frequently but more deeply. Apply water directly to the soil to ensure it reaches deeper into the soil.
- Sandy soil: Similarly to clay, you’ll need to water more frequently to keep the soil moist. However, you need to use less volume each time you water.
- Loamy soil: This is ideal for water retention. Adjust the tree’s water needs accordingly. Warmer weeks will require more frequent watering.
Mulching
Watering trees for Edmonton’s summer months can be challenging, but using mulch can make this task easier. Apply around 5-10cm of organic mulch, and extend the mulch to the drip line or just slightly beyond. Avoid using rock mulch as it can increase the soil temperature. You’ll want to keep mulch at least 10cm away from your tree’s trunk to prevent rot.
Looking for Reliable Tree Services? Trusty Trees Services are the Arborists of Choice in Edmonton – Call Today!
We hope you have enjoyed these six tips for watering trees in Edmonton’s hot summers. Trusty Tree Service has all the answers, from how much water a tree needs to the tree species that thrive best in Edmonton. Count on our team for everything from watering advice to tree planting services, tree removal, and deep root fertilization. We’re happy to make Edmonton and the surrounding areas greener with our tree services. Contact us today to schedule your tree services; we love to help trees thrive.