Watering a newly planted tree

BenDover

Sorry - probably a silly question, but how often should you water a newly planted tree with no leaves?  I do know they require to be watered copiously in the first two years of planting, but with no leaves on the tree (yet) there isn't likely to be much transpiration going on, so concerned if I water (too much) it will cause problems (ie water logged and then rotting roots).

Paul B3

It mainly depends on the state of your soil ; is it sandy , good loam , sticky clay , rubble strewn ?

Either way you know it's important that the root-ball is moist  constantly .

Which species have you planted ?

josusa47

Cut the bottom two inches or so off a one or two litre  plastic bottle. Bury the top bit upside down beside the tree, with two inches sticking out. Squash the bottom bit over it to stop it filling with dirt. This enables you to deliver water directly to the roots, thus discouraging shallow rooting.

BenDover

I'm on a sandy loam so is fairly free draining.  However the soil doesn't dry out very quickly so probably more loam than sand, if that makes sense.  I'm taken to giving it a good soaking twice a week using two full watering cans of water.  Think that will be OK until the weather starts to warm up properly, although today is quite warm.   Let me know if you think I should be doing more or less.

The tree is a Gingko Biloba.

Thanks for your idea Josusa47.  Might do that, although it will be a retrospective fit as it's already in the ground.

Lizzie27

Twice a week as you are doing should be sufficient in my opinion. After the leaves appear keep an eye on them and if they start to droop, give them more water.