Tree Watering Guidelines
How should trees be watered in this region?
We should infrequently yet deeply water our trees in the most efficient manner possible.
Four considerations must be made when watering trees:
- Method of water application (sprinklers, drip systems)
- Duration of application (quantity of water delivered to tree)
- Frequency of application (how often?)
- Location of application (where do I need to water?)
- Conserving water by using top mulch
These considerations will vary for both mature trees and newly planted trees falling into these five categories:
- Established native California oaks
- Mature trees with low water requirements
- Mature trees with moderate water requirements
- Mature trees with high water requirements
- Newly planted trees – see also Caring for Young Trees
Check your trees' watering requirements in the Canopy Tree Library.
Irrigation During Dry Summer Months (May - Oct):
| Irrigation Method | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tree Type | Frequency | Drip Run time |
Sprinkler Run time |
Bubblers Run time |
| Dry California Native Oaks | DO NOT IRRIGATE MATURE NATIVE OAKS See: Caring for Mature Native Oaks |
|||
| Low water needs | Once or twice during the summer |
90 minutes | 75 minutes | Not recommended |
| Moderate water needs or young trees | Once a month | 90 minutes | 90 minutes |
Not |
| High water needs (Thirsty trees) | Every other week |
90 minutes | 150 minutes | Not recommended |
| Newly planted trees | Twice weekly or weekly |
30 minutes 2 emitters per tree |
Not recommended |
15 minutes |
May to October generally has almost no rainfall. If spring or fall is unusually wet or dry, irrigate accordingly.
Notes on Drip Application:
- This chart assumes drippers are placed approximately 3’ apart with 1 gallon per hour (GPH) application rate.
- Soaker hoses have variable output. Check depth of watering and adjust time as necessary to water tree to a depth of 18 - 24”.
- Top mulch should be applied over drippers to a depth of 4 - 6”
Notes on Sprinkler and Bubbler Application:
- Drip and soaker hoses are always preferred over spray.
- Top mulch depth should be reduced to 1” for spray irrigation.
- If using conventional spray nozzles, split sprinkler irrigation into two times separated by one hour: for example, two 20-minute applications equal one 40-minute application.
- Conventional spray heads apply approximately 2.0 inches of water per hour.
- Replace nozzles with water-efficient nozzles, which will save water and reduce runoff. One start time is adequate with this method.
- Bubbler application rate is assumed to be 6 - 8 gallons per hour (GPH). Either build a berm to hold 10-15 gallons, or split run time so that water does not overflow the basin.
