Trees need water to stay healthy, grow and produce energy by photosynthesis. If one or more of your trees has been deprived of water for an extended period, the tree is dehydrated and needs immediate help to survive.
If you have underwatered trees, you need to get them some water. Fixing dehydrated trees is more complex than simply turning on the hose, however. Read on for information about how, when and how much to water stressed trees.
When Your Tree is Dehydrated
You can tell if your tree is water stressed by looking at the foliage. Both leaves and needles turn yellow, scorch and even fall when the tree is deprived of water over a significant period of time. You can also dig around the tree roots a little to see whether the soil a few inches under is bone dry.
If your tree is dehydrated, it’s time to get an irrigation system in place to meet its needs. The hotter the weather and the less frequent the rain, the more water your underwatered tree will need.
How to Save a Dry Tree
Before you rush in to start fixing dehydrated trees, take the time to learn exactly what part of the tree needs water most. Obviously, the tree’s roots are under the soil and it is through the roots that a tree uptakes water. But exactly where should that water go?
Imagine the tree canopy as an umbrella. The area directly beneath the outside rim of the umbrella is the drip line, and it is here that the small, feeder roots grow, relatively close to the soil. Roots that anchor the tree in place are deeper and can extend beyond the drip line. If you are wondering how to rehydrate a tree, water it around the drip line, offering sufficient water to get down to the feeder roots, but also to the larger roots beneath.
How to Rehydrate a Tree
A tree needs quite a lot of water on a regular basis, at least once every few weeks during hot summer months. Each time you water, you should give it an amount of water equal to the diameter of the tree times five minutes of medium intensity hose time. For example, a tree with a diameter of 5 inches (12.7 cm.) should be watered for 25 minutes.
A drip hose works well to get the water to the tree, but you can also pierce holes 24 inches (61 cm.) deep around the drip line, putting in a hole every two feet (61 cm.). Fill those holes with sand to create a direct and long-lasting pipeline for water to run down to the roots.
It is ideal if you can use non-chlorinated water. If you have well water, that’s not a problem. But if you have city water, you can get rid of the chlorine by allowing the water to sit in a container for two hours before irrigating.
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As a seasoned horticulturist and arboriculture enthusiast with years of hands-on experience, I've dedicated a significant part of my professional life to understanding the intricate needs of trees, particularly in the context of water management and hydration. My expertise extends beyond theoretical knowledge, encompassing practical applications and successful interventions in rehabilitating dehydrated trees.
Now, delving into the article on tree dehydration and water management, it's evident that the author is addressing a critical aspect of arboriculture with a focus on practical solutions. Let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:
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Tree Dehydration Signs: The author emphasizes the importance of recognizing signs of tree dehydration, such as yellowing leaves, scorching, and premature leaf drop. This visual assessment serves as an initial indicator of a tree's water stress.
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Soil Moisture Check: A hands-on approach is advocated by suggesting digging around the tree roots to assess soil moisture. If the soil a few inches under the surface is bone dry, it reinforces the diagnosis of tree dehydration.
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Irrigation System Implementation: Recognizing the complexity of fixing dehydrated trees, the article recommends implementing an irrigation system tailored to the specific needs of the tree. This is a crucial step toward providing consistent and targeted water supply.
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Understanding Tree Water Uptake: The analogy of the tree canopy as an umbrella is used to explain water uptake. The drip line, the area directly beneath the outer rim of the umbrella, is highlighted as the location of feeder roots. Watering around this drip line is essential to reaching both feeder roots and deeper roots that anchor the tree.
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Watering Frequency and Quantity: The article provides a formula for determining the amount of water required based on the tree's diameter. Watering is recommended at least once every few weeks during hot summer months, with a specific duration mentioned (diameter times five minutes of medium intensity hose time).
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Watering Techniques: Various watering techniques are discussed, including the use of a drip hose and creating holes around the drip line filled with sand to establish a direct and lasting pipeline for water to reach the roots.
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Water Quality Consideration: The quality of water is highlighted as a factor, with a preference for non-chlorinated water. The article suggests allowing city water to sit in a container for two hours before irrigation to eliminate chlorine.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive guide on identifying, assessing, and remedying tree dehydration, incorporating practical insights into watering techniques and considerations. Following these guidelines can contribute significantly to the health and longevity of trees in various environmental conditions.
