On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 17:01:26 -0600, "RoyDMercer"
wrote:
You'll want to make sure the grass is cleared out to the drip line at least.
Grass will soak up a huge amount of water meant for the tree if you allow
grass to grow up to the trunk. For years I've always applied a thick layer
of mulch around all my trees. This year I've started using "fake" mulch
made out of old tires. It is sold as a 24" or 36" ring that you place
around the tree. Whatever solution you choose, this is a critical step
because otherwise water will evaporate at the surface much too quickly.
I agree, though I recommend wood chips or other organic mulch to
condition and feed the soil as well as retain moisture and moderate
temps.

As far as how much you water, it really depends on your soil type and how
big the tree is. Soils that drain well will require more frequent watering.
Clay soils will require less frequent watering. If you planted a small
tree, say 5 gal or less, then you'll need to keep the tree watered on a
regular basis (daily or every other day) for 3 months or so. If you planted
a large tree, you may need to keep regular waterings up for a year or so.
The larger the tree, the longer it's going to take before the tree's root
system grows enough to support the tree with periodic rainfalls.

Here's a good method my grandfather taught me. Take a 5 gallon bucket and
punch a very small hole in the bottom. Place the bucket near the base of
the tree and fill the bucket up daily.
I agree again, though I have a few fine points. One seminar I
attended recommended a gallon of water, twice a day for the first two
weeks or so. New transplants that have been container-grown will be
living in a loose potting mix. When you plop that into a clay hole,
the water soaks right through the root ball and into the surrounding
soil. Until the roots can make the transition into the native soil,
you have to really stay on top of this.

Sounds like we missed the boat on that one, though. Lucky for the OP,
we've had a lot of rain this spring. Don't know how long the tree has
been planted, but by now it's probably time to water less often, more
deeply (and over a wider area). I'd say twice a week for a couple of
weeks, then once a week till next year (bearing in mind this changes
depending on soil and weather). You need to make sure the tree's root
ball gets watered some, but you also need to start getting the native
soil wet to encourage roots to spread out. The only really good way
to know is to stick your finger in the soil and see how moist it is.
Make sure the tree gets some drying-out time between waterings--oaks
(and most trees) can't tolerate wet feet for long.

Eventually, in an ideal world, tree roots will extend outward 2-3
times the height of the tree. Watering at the base of the trunk only
will not have much effect on an established tree; you have to water
the whole lawn well so water gets below the grass.

good luck,
Keith Babberney
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