Watering Guide: How to Water Newly Planted Pleached Trees | The Complete Guide to Pleached Trees

Watering Guide: How and When to Water Newly Planted Pleached Trees

Watering is key to growing plants well, so here we look at how to get it just right. During the first two years after planting, new trees need thorough watering in dry spells to ensure the water reaches the full depth of the root system. The quantity required will vary with soil type, but typically four to six watering cans per tree each week in dry weather are needed. Well-established pleached trees generally don’t need to be watered, except in prolonged dry spells. However, trees in containers will continue to need extra watering.


How to Water Pleached Trees

Water slowly at the base of the tree. Ensure water reaches the root zone, about 30cm deep. If you have access to an outside tap, consider installing an irrigation soaker hose. Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and reduce weeds. Keep mulch away from the trunk. Check soil moisture regularly. The soil should be damp but not saturated.

During hot, dry weather, increase watering to every other day to prevent the soil from drying out.


How to Water New Pleached Trees: Spring/Summer Planting

Initial Watering

  • Frequency: Right after planting, water the trees thoroughly.
  • Amount: Ensure the soil is soaked deeply to help the roots establish.

Throughout the Summer Months

  • Frequency: Water every other day.
  • Amount: Use enough water to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and adjust accordingly to your soil and weather conditions.

How to Water New Pleached Trees: Autumn/Winter Planting

Initial Watering

  • Frequency: Right after planting, water the trees thoroughly.
  • Amount: Ensure the soil is soaked deeply to help the roots establish.

First 4 Weeks

  • Frequency: Water every 2-3 days.
  • Amount: Use enough water to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

After the First 4 Weeks

  • Frequency: Reduce to once a week.
  • Amount: Continue to water to encourage deep root growth, but adjust accordingly to your soil and weather conditions.

Key Points

  • Adjust for Container Trees: Increase watering as they dry out faster than those planted in the ground.
  • Adjust for Hot, Dry Weather: Increase watering to prevent the soil from drying out.
  • Adjust for Rainfall: Reduce watering to prevent the soil from getting waterlogged.
  • Avoid Overwatering: Overwatering can suffocate roots and cause rot.
  • Aim for Morning Watering: Water in the morning to reduce evaporation and prevent fungal issues.

Further Resources

Back to The Complete Guide to Pleached Trees
180cm / 16-18cm / 120x120cm / With growth / June

Caring for Your New Pleached Trees

With Love & Care

For practical guidance and tips about looking after pleached trees, check out our Caring for Your New Pleached Trees series. This ensures your trees get off to the best start, from delivery through their critical first two years. Remember to check on your new trees regularly and provide essential care such as staking, watering, pruning, and fertilising as needed. This will help your pleached trees thrive. Happy gardening!

Caring for Your New Pleached Trees
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