Trees are a practical and aesthetic addition to any

landscape. To help keep mature trees alive keep this

guide handy for watering in the warmer months.
Some species require no additional irrigation once
theyre established whereas others will do poorly
without. With wise watering you can keep the tree
alive even in drought conditions.
What is my tree telling me?
Mature trees experiencing sustained hot weather
can suffer severe and often debilitating stress. Your
trees can tell you when they need water.
Indicators of stress include:
leaf tips and margins turning brown
leaves dropping
tip growth beginning to die back and
dead twigs appearing
branches dying
Wilting of leaves at the end of a hot day is usually
not a sign of severe stress.
Where should I water?
Trees like water in the same position every time.
Ideally this is in the shade just inside a trees drip
zone.
The drip zone is an imaginary circle on the ground
under the tree that corresponds to the outer edge of
the leaf canopy.
Dont try to wet the entire root area, rather
concentrate the water in a defned area and the tree
will maintain its root activity there. A simple way to
water in a defned area is using a dripper system
put in place over summer. Remember, if you use
a dripper you will need enough emitters to provide
the right amount of water for your tree within the
allocated times of current water restrictions.
The drip zone - a wise place to water
Anatomy of a mature tree for watering
Tree Survival Watering Guide
Helping your tree survive the drought
When is the best time to water my tree?
It is best to water in the evening as this gives the tree time to distribute the water through its branches and leaves
overnight.
Make sure you check www.sawater.com.au for current details regarding water restrictions and permanent water
conservation measures in your area.
How often do I water the tree?
During summer stressed trees beneft from being watered every week or fortnight dependent on the existing moisture
in the soil, your soil type and the size of your tree. The larger the tree the less often it should be watered.
Watering more than once a week encourages shallow root development which isnt benefcial for the tree in ongoing
dry conditions.
How much water?
Remember to check the depth of the wet soil and apply only enough water on each occasion to moisten the soil to the
depth of the roots of your tree. The depth of the root zone is dependant on the type, age and size of your tree.
For most mature trees, root depth would be in the vicinity of 40-60 centimetres however individual assessment of your
tree is important. To assess the root zone depth of your tree dig a small hole within the drip zone to the bottom of the
fbrous roots and measure the depth. You can then schedule your irrigation to water to this depth.
What about my soil type?
Water used by trees is stored in the soil. Soil type, depth and condition infuence how much water can be stored in the
soil and therefore how often you may need to water. Clay soils hold more water while sandy soils hold relatively little
water.
Your soil type will determine the best method of watering your tree/s. Clay soils should be irrigated slower for a longer
period and less frequently than sandy soils that require shorter irrigation periods more frequently. This will minimise
water wastage from water runoff in clay soils or water passing the root zone in the case of sandy soils.
Mulching to conserve water
Maintaining a seven to ten centimetre layer of mulch over the root zone can reduce the amount of water lost from the
soil through evaporation. Keep in mind coarse mulch should be used to let water penetrate the soil.
Keep mulch a minimum of 20 centimetres away from the trunk, this spacing will allow for air circulation around the
base of the tree and help avoid potential disease problems.
Ongoing care
Fertilise your tree lightly (with slow release organic fertilisers in late autumn or early spring) as too much can stimulate
growth therefore increasing demand in water and when insuffcient water is available the tree will become stressed.
Heavy pruning in late winter or spring can stimulate new growth increasing water demand and susceptibility to drought
stress. Prune only to remove dead, diseased or dangerous branches.
Lastly, during the cooler and wetter months your tree will not require the same attention to watering. Conserve water
by stopping all irrigation when it rains and before starting scheduled watering check the depth of the wet soil.
Let nature quench the trees thirst whenever you can.
This is a guide only please consult your
nursery or garden industry expert for
more information.