Watering Instructions for Newly Planted Fruit Trees
Proper watering is crucial for newly planted fruit trees to establish strong roots. The following guidelines are based on 5-gallon, 10-gallon, and 30-gallon plants. These instructions assume planting in grow zone 9 with well-draining soil. Adjust based on rainfall and soil conditions.
General Watering Tips:
• Water slowly and deeply to encourage deep root growth.
• Use a watering ring or slow-release method to prevent runoff.
• Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
• Mulch around the base (approximately 2 inches deep) but keep mulch 4-6 inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
Watering Schedule by Container Size
3 to 5 Gallon Fruit Trees
• First 2 Weeks: Water every day or every other day, depending on soil drainage, ensuring the root ball is fully soaked.
• Weeks 3-8: Water every 2–3 days (adjust if there’s heavy rainfall).
• After 2 Months: Transition to once per week, providing a deep soak.
10 to 15 Gallon Fruit Trees
• First 2 Weeks: Water every day or every other day, depending on soil drainage.
• Weeks 3-8: Water every 2–3 days, ensuring water reaches the full root zone.
• After 2 Months: Water once per week deeply.
25 to 30 Gallon Fruit Trees
• First 2 Weeks: Water every day, ensuring the entire root ball is saturated.
• Weeks 3-8: Water every 2–3 days, using a slow soak method for deep penetration.
• After 2 Months: Reduce watering to once per week but deeply soak the soil.
Additional Considerations
• Hot Weather (90°F+): Increase watering frequency, especially for smaller container plants.
• Cooler Months: Reduce watering frequency if the soil retains moisture longer.
• Clay Soil: Water less often but deeply.
• Sandy Soil: Water more frequently with smaller amounts to prevent excessive drainage of soil nutrients.
• Rainfall Adjustment: Skip watering if there’s sufficient rainfall (1+ inches per week).
Following this watering regimen will help your newly planted fruit trees establish a strong root system and adapt to their new environment efficiently.
Watering instruction for home owners with Reclaimed Water
Reclaimed water can be used to water fruit trees which produce a fruit with thick skin. Oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits, which requiring peeling, are an example of fruits which can be watered with reclaimed water. Water should not come in contact with the edible portion of the fruit directly. There are some precautions to care for when using reclaimed water to water fruit trees.
- Avoid spraying or splashing water directly on fruit.
- Ensure fruit tree produces fruit with thick skin which needs to be peeled to eat the fruit.
- Don't eat any edible portion of fruit that has been in contact with reclaimed water on the plant or soil.
- Wash all fruit with clean water and peel it before eating or cooking.
- Don't use reclaimed water to irrigate plants that will be eaten raw or eaten with the skin such as peaches, pears, plums, apples, berries, veggies etc.