TREE WATERING RECOMMENDATIONS

Tree Watering Schedule for Newly Planted Trees

(Plus Why Dripline Irrigation & Watering Bags Are Your Treeโ€™s Best Friends)

When it comes to watering newly planted trees, slow and steady wins the race. A newly planted tree needs some extra moisture to help establish their root system with consistent, deep wateringโ€”not a quick splash and dash. The goal is deep moisture penetration, not surface runoff. Thatโ€™s where dripline irrigation and tree watering bags come in real handy.

๐Ÿ’ง Why We Recommend Dripline Irrigation & Watering Bags

  • Dripline irrigation delivers water directly to the root zone, nice and slow. This prevents runoff, minimizes evaporation, and encourages deep root growthโ€”which means healthier, more drought-tolerant trees.
  • Watering bags provide a controlled slow release of water over several hours, giving the soil time to absorb moisture without waste. No hose babysitting required.

These tools arenโ€™t just convenient โ€” theyโ€™re tree-saving, time-saving, and water-wise.

๐Ÿ“… Weekly Watering Schedule (First Year After Planting)

๐ŸŒฑ Weeks 1โ€“4 (Initial Establishment Phase)

  • Water 3โ€“5 times per week, especially in hot/dry weather.
  • Use 10โ€“15 gallons per watering session.
  • Water slowly with a dripline system or fill a watering bag every other day.
  • Avoid watering during midday heat to reduce evaporation โ€” early morning or evening is best.

๐ŸŒฟ Weeks 5โ€“12 (Root Expansion Phase)

  • Cut back to 2โ€“3 deep waterings per week.
  • Still aim for 15โ€“20 gallons per week, but space it out for deeper soaking.
  • Keep using drip irrigation or bags to ensure slow, even saturation.
  • Check soil moisture 6โ€“8 inches deep โ€” it should be damp but not soggy.

๐ŸŒณ Months 3โ€“12 (Mature First-Year Growth)

  • 1โ€“2 deep waterings per week, depending on rainfall and temps.
  • 20โ€“25 gallons per week, adjusted for tree size and soil type.
  • Keep an eye on heatwaves โ€” trees may need extra help when the sun’s blazing.
  • Mulch around the base (2โ€“3 inches deep, not touching the trunk) to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Pro Tips for Watering Success

  • Use a moisture meter or do the olโ€™ stick test (poke a wooden stake in the ground โ€” moist soil sticks to it).
  • Avoid overwatering! Roots need oxygen too. If soil is squishy or smells sour, ease off the water.
  • Slope or sandy soil? Water more frequently in smaller doses to avoid runoff.
  • Clay soil? Water slowly and give it time to soak deep โ€” too fast and itโ€™ll puddle up like a mudhole.

๐Ÿšซ Avoid These Common Mistakes

  • Watering the trunk only โ€” the roots are spread out wider than you think!
  • Shallow daily watering โ€“ this just encourages surface roots that dry out quick.
  • Flooding the area too fast โ€“ most of that water runs off before it sinks in.

โœ… Summary

Timeframe

Frequency

Gallons/Week

Tools Used

Weeks 1โ€“4

3โ€“5 times/week

10โ€“15 gal

Dripline or Watering Bag

Weeks 5โ€“12

2โ€“3 times/week

15โ€“20 gal

Dripline or Bag

Months 3โ€“12

1โ€“2 times/week

20โ€“25 gal

Dripline or Hose Soaker

 

 

Alberta Tree Planting  - tree planting service in calgary, okotoks, nanton southern alberta tree planting experts

Our Services
At Alberta Tree Planting, we offer a comprehensive range of professional services to meet all your landscaping and tree planting needs. Here’s how we can help:

  • Caliper / Basketed Tree Planting: Expertly planting trees of all sizes, including large caliper and basketed trees, ensuring healthy growth from the start.
  • Dirt Moving / Removal: Efficient soil moving and removal for various landscaping projects.
  • Semi Truck / Flatdeck Unloading: Safe unloading of materials from semi trucks and flatdeck trailers, handling large shipments with care.
  • Post Hole Digging: Precision post hole digging for fences, signs, or other installations.

Proudly Serving
Southern Alberta:


We are honored to serve the following communities and surrounding areas:
Calgary, Bragg Creek, Springbank, Airdrie, Okotoks, High River, Nanton, Claresholm, Fort Macleod, Lethbridge, Coalhurst, Pincher Creek, and beyond.

No matter where you are in Southern Alberta, Alberta Tree Planting is here to meet all your tree planting and landscaping needs with dedication and expertise.