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Tree Care
WATERING TREES
BASIC GUIDELINES
The most common question asked regarding tree care is: "How do I water it?"
Here are some guidelines for watering.
HOW MUCH?
This depends mainly on the size and age of the tree. Regardlesss of how often a tree is watered, each water application should be enough to saturate an area as wide as the drip line of the tree to a soil depth of 2-3 feet minimum. As a tree matures, it needs a wider water area. Especially palm trees.
HOW OFTEN?
This depends on a few variables: Age of tree, type of tree, soil conditions and current weather conditions. Loose sandy soil dries out faster so more frequent watering is required where as tight soils may require less frequent applications. Newer trees don't have established root structures and require more frequent watering than when mature. Long periods of extreme heat dry out the soil faster dictating an increase in water frequency. For recommended watering schedules, click here to go back to the TREE CARE page and select either newer or existing trees.
TREE CARE - NEWER TREES (0-2 Years From Planting)
RECOMMENDED WATERING:
The first 2 years after a tree is planted is the time where the tree settles in and begins to establish it's main root structure that will support it for it's entire life. Proper watering is essential durning this period to ensure a long healthy life. Use this reference guide to help provide your new trees the proper water they need. Remember: water all new trees daily for the first week or so, then use the application schedule below:
TREE CARE - EXISTING TREES (Over 2 Years From Planting)
EXTREME HEAT - What to do during periods of abnormally hot & dry conditions.
Here in the desert, we all know it gets hot in the summer. Sometimes it gets really HOT! When daytime highs reach 110 degrees F for 3 or more days in a row, this is extreme heat. During such weather, trees & plants use more water to survive. In addition, the hot sun tends to dry out soils more rapidly. During these conditions, it’s usually necessary to provide more water than normal to your trees & plants. When providing additional water, it’s best to water in the evening to allow maximum absorption by the trees & plants before the next days heat.
Watch your trees & plants closely during extreme heat. It’s normal for some plants to wilt during the day. This is the plants way to minimize water loss. Some leaf scorch is possible during extreme heat. If you trees or plants experience drastic wilting (doesn’t recover at night) or drastic leaf loss, call us for more detailed advice. Keep a good eye on soil conditions. It doesn’t need to stay sopping wet all the time, but don’t let it dry out completely either. If you have further questions on caring for your trees & plants during extreme heat, please contact your closest Moon Valley Nursery.
EXTREME COLD - What to do during periods of abnormally cold weather: Frost & Freeze conditions.
Normal winter time conditions in and around our lower desert areas include a few nights where the temperatures may reach below freezing (32F) at official weather reporting stations. In outlying and lower lying areas, actual temperatures may be even lower. In an abnormally cold period, temperatures can reach the lower twenties or even colder. Temperatures below freezing can cause damage to certain varieties of trees and shrubs that are commonly grown in the area. These include, but are not limited to: Ficus Species, Jacaranda, Palo Brea, Pygmy Date Palms, Sissoo, Young Citrus, Bougainvillea, Lantana, Hibiscus, Thevitia and other varieties. If you have questions on the hardiness of your plants or how cold your particular area gets, please cal your closest Moon Valley Nursery. Smaller an newly planted trees and shrubs tend to be the most susceptible to damage from cold weather. All trees and plants can benefit from the following measures to help prevent damage from frost & freezing conditions:
1. WATER
As weird as it may sound, the laws of thermodynamics prove that it is more difficult to cool humid air than dry air, so be sure to thoroughly water all of your trees and plants during periods of forecast frost or freeze. In addition, get your entire yard wet in the evening before forecast/ freeze. This boosts humidity in the immediate microclimate and will help minimize the effects of frost/ freeze on your trees and plants.
2. COVER
Where feasible, cover plants with a frost cloth or old blankets during nights of forecast/ freeze. DO NOT USE PLASTIC. Plastic actually increases the danger. For larger trees and plants, you can apply Frost Proof insulating spray. This applies a thin lay of wax-like substance that minimizes evaporation from the leaves, thus minimizing frost/ freeze damage. Frost Cloth & Frost Proof spray are available at all Moon Valley Nurseries.
3. HEAT
People have had success in preventing frost/ freeze damage by stringing up Christmas lights in their trees. The older style lights (incandescent) provide the best warming effect. Sometimes it's only a few degrees that will make a huge difference. Although there methods are proven to minimize the effects of abnormally clod weather on trees & plants, due to the uncontrollable nature of weather, there are no guarantees of success.
