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Water is by far the most important nutrient that trees need for health and growth, especially here in the lower deserts of Arizona. Many different varieties of trees can be grown in our climate. Of the varieties that can grow here, they all have a wide range of water requirements. In addition to how much water a plant actually needs, there are other variables that affect the timing and amount of water that needs to be applied to a tree to optimize the tree's health. These variables can include temperature, humidity level, sun exposure, soil condition, age of tree, type of tree and rainfall, to name a few. By knowing the watering requirements of a tree and paying attention to the variables that affect how much water a tree is getting, you can determine a correct watering schedule for your trees.
Newly planted trees should be thoroughly watered every day for the first 3 to 5 days regardless of variety. This helps ease root stress and creates a high moisture content in the soil surrounding the roots, during the early stages of transplanting. After this period, use the following guidelines to determine a watering schedule that works for your trees and your location:
A. Know your tree's watering requirement: The first thing, when determining
a watering schedule is which type of tree you have and its relative
watering needs. Trees fall into one of three levels of water usage:
Arid - Low water usage -
this includes native desert species and varieties from other arid regions
of the world. Examples include Palo Verde, Ironwood, Sweet Acacia, some
Australian Acacias, Palo Brea, Native Mesquite, Texas Ebony and Desert
Willow to name a few.
Subtropical - Moderate water usage-
this includes trees such as brazilian Pepper, Eldarica Pine, Mediteranean
Fan Palm, Live Oak, Australian Bottle, Sumac, Eucalyptus, Chinese Elm,Tipu,
Jacaranda and Cal. Pepper for examples.
Tropical - Higer water usage -
Many of the most beautiful trees in the valley fall into this catergory
andare sommonly seen in resort style landscapes. These include: Queen
Palms, Ficus Nitida, As Varieties, Citrus & Fruit trees, Ficus Benjamin,
Purple leaf Plum, Weeping Willow, Cottonwood, Sycamore and others. If
you aren't sure what your tree's water usage is , feel free to give
us a call at 480-279-5040.
B. Basic watering Schedules: After determining whether your tree is
a Arid, Sub-tropical or Tropical type (see above), us the following
reference as a basic guide to how often you should be watering. This
guide is based on the average high temperature for the season
Note: Newly planted trees should be thoroughly watered every day for the first 3 to 5 days regardless of variety.
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For Established Trees Only
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Arid- Low water usage trees
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| If avg high temp (F) is | You should water this many times per week: |
| 85 or above | 2x per week |
| 84 or lower | 1x per week |
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Sub-tropical - Moderate water usage trees
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| If avg high temp (F) is | You should water this many times per week: |
| 93 or above | 3x per week |
| 81-92 | 2x per week |
| 70 to 81 | 1x per week |
| Below 70 | 1x per week |
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Tropical - Higher water usage trees
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| If avg high temp (F) is | You should water this many times per week: |
| 93 or above | 4x per week |
| 81-92 | 3x per week |
| 70-81 | 2x per week |
| Below 70 | 1x per week |
C. How much water? There is no easy way to set an amount of water for
each tree. Each time you water, whether by hose, drip or bubbler system,
you should provide enough water to saturate the entire area underneath
the tree to a depth of 2 feet. To check the water penetration, you should
be able to insert a long screwdriver (or other probe) easily into the
soil to a depth of at least one foot or more. Note: in most cases where
trees are planted in grass, water from the sprinklers doesn't penetrate
very deeply and trees should be deep watered with a hose or drip system
to ensure deep root growth.
D. Make adjustments: When using the above watering guide for your trees, it is sometimes necessary to make minor changes to your watering schedule. For example: If you have tight soil that doesn't drain or dry out fast, you may need to decrease watering frequency a little. The opposite is true for loose soil that dries very rapidly. Or if it rains heavy for an extended amount of time, you may skip a watering or two. If temperatures are abnormally high for an extended period of time, its best to increase water. Oce you learn the particulars for your soil and pay a little attention to climate changes, it becomes fairly easy to make these adjustments. If you have questions regarding watering, call San Tan Nursury at 480-279-5040.
Watch for these Syptoms:
If trees are being underwatered, they can show these symptoms
New growth is wilty or excessively curly
Tree sheds an abnormally high amount of leaves in summer
Brown "burnt looking" spots on leaves
New leaves are small and old leaves are yellow.
For Citrus trees, interior leaves are yellow and/or fall off
If trees are being overwatered, they can show these symptoms:
Fould or musty smelling soil
Sporadic yellowing especially interior leaves
New growth that turns black then wilts
If you aren't sure, call San Tan Nursery 480-279-5040.