When planting a young tree, ensuring it gets the right amount of water in the right place is crucial for strong roots & successful establishment.
As a specialist tree nursery, planting new trees is something we do as a regular part of our seasonal routines. There is one thing we do as a matter of course here in the nursery, that we've realised that not everyone knows about. It is a simple planting tip that ensures the water you give your young trees actually gets to where it's needed. Which in turn is hugely beneficial to root growth and successful establishment.
Its important to note that, in it's first year, the tree's roots won't reach outside of its rootball. Therefore it will find it difficult to access any water that is beyond the diameter of the rootball. This technique helps ensure that any water you apply, sinks into the correct place and its roots can access all the water they need.
Video Demonstration
Hear Philip, our founder, explain and demonstrate in this short video, so that you can join us is this simple technique to give your young trees the best possible chance of strong establishment.
Create a Watering Sump
Once your tree's rootball is in it's hole, and after backfilling the hole with soil, make a small dam wall (sump) approximately 5cm high, around the edge of the rootball diameter. This will create the perfect watering structure for the following summer, allowing the water to drain down through the rootball rather than running away from the tree.
Watering Frequency
Watering is often overlooked, but it is the most important factor in helping a newly planted tree establish and thrive.
For the first two years, we recommend you ensure the rootball doesn’t completely dry out, but balance this with not watering it too much. This approach encourages the roots to grow outwards in search of their own moisture which is vital for promoting a resilient root system.
Its important to note that your tree roots will not reach outside the rootball for at least the first year, so you must make sure the water is applied withing the rootball diameter (hence our tip for your watering sump).
As soon as your tree is planted, fill the water sump to the top. This deep soak helps settle the soil, fill in any air pockets, and ensures moisture reaches the roots. After this initial watering, we recommend waiting until the leaves emerge before watering again (springtime), however evergreen trees may need some water during dry spells in Winter.
When the warmer, drier months arrive (May to September), begin a regular watering routine. Depending on the size of your tree, give it 1–2 buckets of water three times a week to keep the rootball consistently hydrated. It is crucial to keep this consistent throughout the tree’s first summer even if it rains. And its crucial to make sure the water is applied as close to the base of the tree as possible.
As the tree becomes established, you can gradually reduce how often you water. In its second summer only water during a very dry spell, and by the third summer there should be no need to provide extra water.
Learn more about watering trees in the summer months
Head to our other useful article, and video, to learn more about The Importance of Watering Newly Planted Trees.
About New Wood Trees
We are an artisan tree nursery specialising in field grown multi-stem trees and shrubs. We grow approximately 13,000 trees in the beautiful rolling fields of South Devon and have over 100 varieties for you to choose from.
All our trees are grown in here for at least five years, during which time they are lovingly hand pruned to create a beautifully sculpted distinctive shape and structure. They are all hugely individual and full of character due to their environment and our care. We warmly encourage you to visit our nursery in person.
To immerse yourself and experience the trees in a way that you simply can’t from websites and photographs. You’ll be able to choose your preferred trees, understand their individual character, and tag them in person. Leaving with peace of mind that you will receive exactly what is needed to suit your design. Visits are by appointment only. Please contact us to arrange your nursery tour.
For more information about our nursery and how we grow our artisan, sculpted, multi-stem trees please head to our about us page.
To learn more about our trees and what stock we currently have available, please head to our stock pages or Contact Us to discuss your specific needs.
If you'd like to learn more about what we mean by 'Multi-stem trees'? Check out our explainer here.