Tree watering

What is the best way to water a mature tree? How do I water the tree? How deep do I water my tree?

Roots naturally want to stay in the top 2-3 feet of the soil. It's in their nature to be “shallow”. Why don't the roots grow to infinity and beyond? More nutrients are available to the tree in the top 2-3 feet of soil. Also anaerobic conditions exist in deeper soil and the roots cannot survive there.

So how do we water the tree so that the roots are deep enough for optimal growth and not stick out of the ground?

The University of California has developed a system to easily irrigate trees, it's called Tree Ring Irrigation Contraption (TRIC). Basically you circle the tree at 1 foot intervals with a drip line.

Here is a link to the TRIC information http://ccuh.ucdavis.edu/public/drought/tree-ring-irrigation-contraption-tric-1/tree-ring-irrigation-contraption-tric

Tree photo from Symphony of the Soil.

As you cruise through the garden centers this time of the year you see lots of bare root trees and roses. You may be asking yourself what do I do with the trees. There is only sawdust around the roots. Why would I plant them now? Will they grow now? It's kind of cold out. Help!

Don't be overwhelmed. Bare root trees are the easiest to plant. Even though there are no leaves on your trees right now the roots are still growing and the same is true for a bare root tree. Now is the time to plant because it gives the roots a chance to grow before the rest of the tree needs energy for leaf production.

No matter if it's a fruit tree or landscape tree you will treat it the same for planting, staking and initial pruning.

Click here to see lots of valuable information.

For fruit tree specific pruning, pests and disease click here.

CONSERVE ENERGY

Plant Trees

• Plant trees to the west of your home.
• Select evergreen trees for a windbreak. Especially if you live in the countryside.
• Plant large trees at least 20 feet from the foundation.

For more information: www.pge.com

Benefit: When properly placed mature trees can reduce your inside temperature by 20 degrees.

Shade paved areas

• Driveways and paved areas are huge sources of heat.
• Choose trees with root systems that do not sucker or damage the surface.

Benefit: Patios and cars are more comfortable, cooling cost may be lowered.

Shade the air conditioner

Benefit: Reduced utility cost

Fall/Winter is the best time to plant many trees.

This gives the tree time to develop it's roots before it leafs out.

In the Garden:

• Plant rhubarb, strawberries, and cane berries. Plant seeds for broccoli, cabbage, parsley, turnips, peas, radishes, lettuce, and spinach.

• This is the time to plant bare root roses, trees, artichoke crowns, grapevines, and other vines.

• You can still plant pansies, violas, snapdragons, and fairy primroses.

• Plant gladiolus every 2 weeks for a succession of blooms.

• Later in the month you can divide Shasta daisies, daylilies, chrysanthemums, and other perennials.

NOTE: Beware of digging in soggy soils. All plantings should be well-drained; the new plants might rot if soil is soggy.