Rowan Tree Watering

cassie.a.stewart

Hi all, I'm having a potted rowan tree delivered tomorrow (eeek). I know newly planted trees require a lot of care so I was wondering how often and how much water I need to give? I've tried googling and found that I should water once a day for 2 weeks and then once a week after that but I'm not sure if this is correct and it doesnt tell me how much water, so if anyone could give me some advice it'd be much appreciated! 

Obelixx

Before you plat it out, dunk the pot in a bucket of water until no more air bubbles appear.  If it is too big for a bucket, just do your best to make sure the rootball is throorughly wet and has no dry air pockets.   Meanwhile, prepare your planting hole making sure the soil below is loosened so roots can grow out and go deep but also making the hole wider than deeper so lateral roots can spread to find moisture and nutrients.

Use your fingers to loosen the rootsa round teh edges of teh rootball so they are encouraged to spread out then plant it at the same depth it was in the pot and firm it in gently with your boot.   Water well and stake if necessary.

Therafter, give it a bucketful of water once a week until the autumn rains come.  More if you have a very dry or hot spell.  Better to soak it deeply once a week than just give it a trickle every day as the roots will grow down to seek moisture and be less susceptible to drying and frying near the surface.

cassie.a.stewart

Obelixx said:

Before you plat it out, dunk the pot in a bucket of water until no more air bubbles appear.  If it is too big for a bucket, just do your best to make sure the rootball is throorughly wet and has no dry air pockets.   Meanwhile, prepare your planting hole making sure the soil below is loosened so roots can grow out and go deep but also making the hole wider than deeper so lateral roots can spread to find moisture and nutrients.

Use your fingers to loosen the rootsa round teh edges of teh rootball so they are encouraged to spread out then plant it at the same depth it was in the pot and firm it in gently with your boot.   Water well and stake if necessary.

Therafter, give it a bucketful of water once a week until the autumn rains come.  More if you have a very dry or hot spell.  Better to soak it deeply once a week than just give it a trickle every day as the roots will grow down to seek moisture and be less susceptible to drying and frying near the surface.

This is great thank you! 

So when you say a bucket full of water once a week, will a full watering can be enough? 

Obelixx

I'd say 10 litres so depends on the size of your watering can.  It also depends on teh size of the tree when it arrives.  If it's small, 5litres may be sufficient. 

Thing is, if it's thirsty, the foliage will droop so you can give it more.  However, if you give it too much the roots will be water-logged and the foliage will droop so better to water it well first thing then play it by ear.  Like salt or hot chili in cooking you can always add more but it's hard to take away when you overdo it.

cassie.a.stewart

Obelixx said:

I'd say 10 litres so depends on the size of your watering can.  It also depends on teh size of the tree when it arrives.  If it's small, 5litres may be sufficient. 

Thing is, if it's thirsty, the foliage will droop so you can give it more.  However, if you give it too much the roots will be water-logged and the foliage will droop so better to water it well first thing then play it by ear.  Like salt or hot chili in cooking you can always add more but it's hard to take away when you overdo it.

Thanks, I think its around 2.5-3m tall. 

cassie.a.stewart

Obelixx said:

I'd say 10 litres so depends on the size of your watering can.  It also depends on teh size of the tree when it arrives.  If it's small, 5litres may be sufficient. 

Thing is, if it's thirsty, the foliage will droop so you can give it more.  However, if you give it too much the roots will be water-logged and the foliage will droop so better to water it well first thing then play it by ear.  Like salt or hot chili in cooking you can always add more but it's hard to take away when you overdo it.

She's in! How does everything look? Should I mulch? 

jonathan.cole

I mulched mine when they went in. Keeps the soil moist and  helps keep the weeds down.

Obelixx

Yes, but first try and make a saucer effect by raising a small rim of soil at about 45cm radius from the trunk.  This will help to concentrate water arund the roots, rather than running off and puddling to the side.

Can I see visible roots at the base of the trunk?  If so, they need covering with soil before you water again and mulch.

cassie.a.stewart

Obelixx said:

Yes, but first try and make a saucer effect by raising a small rim of soil at about 45cm radius from the trunk.  This will help to concentrate water arund the roots, rather than running off and puddling to the side.

Can I see visible roots at the base of the trunk?  If so, they need covering with soil before you water again and mulch.

Not sure how well my saucer shows up on camera, does that look ok? I've covered the visible roots. I was scared to plant too low down as I know it can cause a secondary root system. Thanks for all your help. 

Obelixx

That should be fine.   The test will be when you water it and see how much soaks down and if any runs out.

cassie.a.stewart

Obelixx said:

That should be fine.   The test will be when you water it and see how much soaks down and if any runs out.

And what shall I do if it does run out? 

Again thanks so much for all your help!