Summer watering

Recently, I've been receiving calls from people concerned about their dying trees. The first question I always ask is about their watering habits. The second question is whether they use drip lines.  Are there emitters on there & if so, what size emitters they're using. Surprisingly, 99% of callers don't know the answer to that crucial question.

For anyone with trees or an orchard, knowing this information is absolutely essential.  There's a significant disparity between nursery knowledge and landscaping expertise. I'm not disparaging landscapers; many have extensive industry experience and know their trade well. However, while most are familiar with common shrubs and trees, they lack specific knowledge, such as actual water requirements.  Understanding microclimates and soil science is an ever-evolving field.  Relying on your landscaper to determine the proper size emitter, sufficient number of lines or even setting your timer for watering could set you up for disaster.

When considering the size of emitters you use, think about the numbers. For example, if you've been watering your tree for 1.5 hours, three days a week, but the emitter releases only half a gallon per hour, that means your tree has received just 0.75 gallons per watering session. That's insufficient to even tickle the surface, especially on scorching days like those reaching 118 degrees.

Determining how much water your tree needs isn't straightforward. Numerous factors come into play, such as drainage conditions, microclimates, sun exposure, and the current season. It's crucial to observe your shrubs and trees closely; they'll show signs when something's amiss.

Remember, it's summer now. Just as we need more water to stay hydrated in the heat, your trees also require increased hydration. It's difficult to overwater them during this season.