The days are longer, and temperatures are higher, which means summer is officially here! Thanks to North Texas’ summer heat, new water-restriction policies have gone into effect around the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. However, it is important to know that these restrictions don’t apply to slow-soaking methods that allow you to keep your trees adequately watered, such as: Gator Bags, hand watering, soaker hoses and zoned drip systems.

According to this area’s restrictions,”Watering trees with a hand-held hose, soaker hose or drip irrigation system for up to two hours daily” is allowed. To help guide your watering habits this summer, the tree experts at Fannin Tree Farm have compiled the following tips.

Summer 2014 Watering Tips

  • It’s important to water newly planted trees at least three times a week by using one of the aforementioned slow-soaking methods. To relieve the effects of heat stress on hot, windy days, be sure to shower leaves, limbs and trunks. If you opt to use Gator Bags, be sure to fill them up every two to three days and remove them periodically to allow trunks to receive adequate airflow.
  • As a general rule, newly planted trees should receive five gallons of water for every caliper inch, which is measured six inches above the ground. For example, if your tree is 4 inches in caliper, it needs 20 gallons of water at least three times a week.
  • Avoid watering too frequently and shallowly. When watering a tree, be sure to do so deeply by using one of the slow-soaking methods.
  • It’s a good practice to water trees during the coolest parts of the day, like morning and evening, when there is less chance for evaporation.

Take Caution

The above watering tips are simply guidelines; there is no one-size-fits-all watering schedule. Be sure to check the soil’s moisture levels before watering. If you use sprinkler systems, do not rely on them for properly watering your trees because they do not sufficiently address trees’ watering needs. Further, keep in mind other factors while watering like: cloud coverage, rain, soil type, temperature and shade. If you have any questions or concerns about summer watering, be sure to contact our office. We’d be glad to help you!