Robert E. Thomas
Information Specialist
573-882-2480
ThomasR@missouri.edu
July 2, 2002
A leaky bucket is best low-tech way
to curb July drought stress in new trees
Young trees can suffer severe stress in just a few days, said Chris Starbuck, University of Missouri horticulturist.
"Watering newly planted trees is a tricky problem," he said. "Until roots can move from inside the burlap ball, the plant must rely on moisture within the ball to maintain it. The soil ball must be supplied frequently with small amounts of water."
The best approach to watering a tree for the first year after planting is to use drip irrigation that will wet the root ball. Keeping the soil of a balled and burlapped red maple moist but not saturated in July requires two or three gallons of water every four or five days.
To supply that water, poke a few nail holes in the bottom of a five-gallon bucket. Set the bucket next to the tree trunk and fill it with water every few days. This method is easier and cheaper than buying drip emitters and battery operator timers, he said.
On a windy 95-degree day in July, leaves of a newly transplanted young red maple transpire or give off two to three gallons of water. Drought stress can come in just a few days.
Hand-applying water to the planting hole with a hose or letting a hose trickle at the tree base may not work as well, he said.
In some cases not enough water is added. In others, too much is added, saturating the ball for several days causing moisture stress.
To test whether your new tree is getting enough water stick a metal rod into the soil ball. If you are unable to easily push the rod more than a few inches into the ball, you are not applying enough, water, he said. If the rod slips all the way through the soil ball, you are applying too much water.
Source: Chris Starbuck (573) 882-9630
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