Watering Trees
Watering trees regularly is key to tree survival.
Newly planted trees and shrubs need regular and consistent watering until root systems establish.
Root systems of trees and shrubs, whether bare root, balled and burlapped, or in a container, are severely reduced or restricted.
After planting, root systems will grow and establish until they are much wider than the above ground portion of the plant.
When to water
Newly planted trees or shrubs require more frequent watering than established trees and shrubs. They should be watered at planting time and at these intervals:1-2 weeks after planting, water daily.
3-12 weeks after planting, water every 2 to 3 days.
After 12 weeks, water weekly until roots are established.
How long does it take for tree and shrub roots to establish?
Newly planted shrubs are considered established when their root spread equals the spread of the above-ground canopy. In Minnesota, this will take one to two years. From The University of Minnesota Extension Service
How to Help Your Trees Thrive
External Resources:
The Morton Arboretum in Chicago has an extensive online tree care library.