Naples, FL tree health experts help tree owners kick bad watering habits this summer.
Maximizing Tree Health During the Summer
Of all the chores that people do when it comes to landscaping, watering can seem like the easiest and most mundane. Unfortunately, just like over-fertilizing or pruning too harshly, over-watering trees can be detrimental to their health.
Instead of simply applying water to the area around a tree, learn the principles of good watering habits. Here is a quick guide offered by local experts to help homeowners better understand their trees’ needs so the trees can stay healthy and strong.
Understand the Drip Line
The first thing that tree owners should understand when they go to water trees is that there is a structure/function relationship regarding the tree. When standing under a tree in a rainstorm, there isn’t much rain that makes it through the canopy, right? Instead, the canopy sheds water, much like a roof, to the outer edges away from the tree. Consequently, the roots that feed the tree, called “feeder roots,” are right in this zone. Watering and fertilizing just below the canopy edge and a few feet outward is the most effective way to support good health in a tree.
This practice encourages strong rooting on the outer edges of a tree. Not only do strong roots help feed the tree, they provide invaluable support when strong winds threaten to topple the tree.
Importance of Deep Watering
When done properly, watering a tree doesn’t need to be done too often, depending on the weather. The best way to judge if a tree needs water is to check the soil. If the top six inches of soil are dry then it is probably best to water the tree with a practice called “deep watering.”
Deep watering is so effective because it allows water to slowly soak into soil exactly where the tree needs it. To deeply water a tree, soaker hoses laid in the drip zone are the best option. Sprinklers can also work but they can be harder to accurately control so that water ends up where it’s supposed to go. Water should be applied slowly so no runoff occurs and it should be left running until the top 10 inches of soil are saturated. This practice is the best way to protect trees during a drought and can protect the tree for weeks at a time. It is especially good for young trees that are establishing a root system and should be done weekly in such cases.
Can Mulching Help?
Mulching around a tree is one of the best things an owner can do to support good watering practices. Mulching is the practice of laying down straw, wood chips or some other material around the base of the tree. This organic layer of protection offers good nutrition to the tree as it slowly breaks down but it also protects the soil from drying out too fast.
To mulch around a tree, make sure mulch doesn’t touch the base of the trunk. Likewise, always prevent water from splashing against the trunk during watering. Lay mulch up to six inches deep in the entire root zone of the tree. During deep watering, mulch can be raked aside to allow water to penetrate or water can simply be applied on top.
About Any Town Tree
Any Town Tree are the local experts when it comes to plant health care. Trained arborists lead crews that perform safe tree removals and tree health practices like trimming and pruning. For the best trees on the block in Naples, FL, call Any Town Tree today.