Watering New Trees and Shrubs in Fall
New trees and shrubs need water right up until the ground freezes — especially evergreens. Water deeply and slowly at the root ball, and let the soil dry slightly between waterings.
Why New Plantings Need Help
A newly planted tree or shrub has a small root system that only reaches the soil in its original root ball. It can't pull water from the surrounding ground yet.
Fall is a good time to plant because roots keep growing in cool soil. But those roots need moisture to do it, and fall weather can be drier than it looks.
How to Water New Trees and Shrubs
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Water at the root ballAim the water at the original root ball and the soil just around it — not the trunk, and not the whole yard.
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Go slow and deepRun the hose at a trickle for several minutes so water soaks in instead of running off. A soaker hose coiled around the plant works well.
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Check before you waterPush a finger a couple of inches into the soil. If it is dry, water. If it is damp, wait.
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Keep going until freeze-upContinue watering through dry spells until the ground freezes. Evergreens especially lose moisture through their needles all winter — UW–Madison Extension suggests newly planted conifers may need about two inches of water a week in fall.
Caption: a cart that rolls to every corner of the yard makes deep, slow watering of new plantings easy.
Don't Overdo It
Soggy soil is as bad for new roots as dry soil. Roots need air, and constantly wet ground can cause root rot. Water deeply, then let the top inch or two dry before watering again.
In cool fall weather, that often means watering every several days rather than every day. Let the soil — not the calendar — tell you.
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Shop the 250 ft CartFAQ: Fall Watering for Trees and Shrubs
How often should I water a newly planted tree in fall?
Check the soil a couple of inches down. Water deeply when it is dry. In cool weather that is often every several days rather than daily.
When should I stop watering new trees in fall?
When the ground freezes. Keep watering through dry spells until then, especially evergreens.
Can you overwater a new tree?
Yes. Constantly soggy soil starves roots of air. Let the top inch or two dry between deep waterings.
Is a soaker hose good for new trees?
Yes. Coiled around the root ball and run slowly, it delivers water deep into the soil with little runoff.
The Bottom Line
Water new trees and shrubs deeply and slowly at the root ball, check the soil before each watering, and keep going through dry spells until the ground freezes.
Questions? Call us at (888) 607-4417 or browse our steel hose storage.
Sources
- UW–Madison Extension Dane County — Keep Watering in Fall to Protect Evergreens From Winter Burn
- Colorado State University Extension — Care of Recently Planted Trees
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