How to water mature trees

Quick facts

Water established trees and shrubs with overhead sprinklers.
Apply a deep watering over the entire root zone area until the top 6 to 9 inches of soil are moist.
Avoid light watering as this promotes shallow root systems that are susceptible to summer heat and drought stress.

How much water does a mature tree need?
Do mature trees need to be watered?
What is the best way to water mature trees?
How do mature trees water during drought?

How much water does a mature tree need?

For mature trees (>25 years), or those with a trunk more than 12″ (30 cm) in diameter, water deep and occasionally. About 10 gallons per 1 inch (2.5 cm) of trunk diameter per week (ex., a tree with 12″ DBH would receive 120 gallons) during drought.

Do mature trees need to be watered?

Do Mature Trees Need To Be Watered? The short answer is: yes. While mature trees have enough root spread and depth of growth to survive droughts and dry seasons, they could still use your assistance. If it has not rained for a month or more, even your oldest trees depend on you for supplemental moisture.

What is the best way to water mature trees?

When watering established trees, provide a deep, soaking irrigation to the entire area beneath the tree canopy and extending several feet beyond the drip line. Ideally, you should moisten the soil to a depth of 10" each time you water. To prevent rot, don't apply water to the area directly around the trunk.

How do mature trees water during drought?

Water slowly and deeply so water percolates down into the soil, electing one or two deep waterings as opposed to several light ones. Use soaker hoses and drip irrigation, effective watering tools because they discharge even streams of slow, trickling water directly to the root zone beneath trees and shrubs.