Summer Watering Guide for New Trees | Raleigh Tree Experts (2024)

As a property owner in Raleigh, you’ve made a significant investment in your landscape by planting new trees. But did you know that proper watering during the first few summers can mean the difference between a thriving, beautiful tree and one that struggles to survive? Raleigh’s hot summers are a challenge for young trees (and people!), making proper summer watering for new trees essential for their health and longevity.

In This Article

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover:

• How Raleigh’s summer weather affects newly planted trees
• The importance of proper summer watering for establishing strong root systems
• Factors that influence a new tree’s summer water needs, including size, soil type, and sun exposure
• A simple method to calculate how much water your tree needs based on its trunk diameter
• Best practices for effective summer watering for new trees, including timing and techniques
• How to adjust your watering schedule based on Raleigh’s rainfall patterns and drought conditions
• Signs of under- and over-watering to watch for

Keep reading for everything you need to know about watering recently-planted trees in summer.

How Raleigh’s Summer Climate Affects Trees

Typical Summer Weather Patterns in Raleigh

Raleigh’s summers are characterized by hot and humid conditions, with average high temperatures ranging from the upper 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit. While the area does receive regular rainfall, extended periods of drought are not uncommon, especially in late summer. These conditions can be particularly challenging for newly planted trees that haven’t yet established deep root systems.

How Heat and Drought Stress Affect Newly Planted Trees

Young trees expend significant energy producing leaves while their trunks and root systems are still developing. The combination of high temperatures and potential drought stress can lead to:

• Wilting and leaf scorch
• Stunted growth
• Increased susceptibility to pests and diseases
• In severe cases, tree mortality

Trees Need Enough Water to Become Established

Proper watering is vital for helping your new trees develop strong, extensive root systems. Trees need enough moisture for their roots to grow deeper and wider, improving the tree’s stability and its ability to access nutrients and water from the soil. This is especially important during the first two to three years after planting, when trees are most vulnerable to environmental stresses.

How Much Water Do New Trees Need in Summer?

To keep your new tree healthy, the general guideline is to give it at least one inch of water per week—more if there are long stretches between rainfalls.

Factors Affecting Summer Watering Requirements for Young Trees

The exact amount of water your newly planted tree will need in summer depends on several factors, including:

• Tree species and size: Different tree species have varying water needs. Additionally, larger trees generally need more water than smaller ones.
• Soil type and drainage: Raleigh’s soil can range from sandy to clay. Sandy soils drain quickly and may require more frequent watering, while clay soils retain moisture longer but may need less frequent, deeper watering.
• Sun exposure and microclimate: Trees in full sun or exposed to reflected heat from buildings or pavement may need more water than those in shadier locations.
• Weather conditions: Higher temperatures mean your trees will need more frequent watering. Cloudy weather and rainfall translate into less frequent watering.

Calculating Water Needs Based on Trunk Diameter

To ensure your tree receives the right amount of water this summer, follow this simple calculation:

• Measure the diameter of your tree’s trunk in inches at about 4 feet above ground level.
• Multiply that number by 4.
• Divide the result by 20 to get the number of gallons needed per inch of trunk diameter.

For example, if your tree has a 2-inch diameter, the formula would look like this: 2 inches x 4 = 8 8 ÷ 20 = 0.4 gallons per inch of diameter

This means your 2-inch diameter tree needs about 0.8 gallons of water (2 x 0.4) each time you water.

How Frequently Should You Water New Trees in Summer?

The optimal watering frequency for young trees depends on how recently it was planted.

• The first year after planting: Water your new tree deeply once a week. During extended dry periods or heat waves, you may need to increase this to twice a week.
• Subsequent years: In the second and third years, water every two weeks from spring through fall. During winter, monthly watering is usually sufficient unless conditions are particularly dry.

During the Summer, What’s the Best Time of Day to Water Trees?

Water your trees early in the morning, ideally before 10 AM. This allows the water to soak into the soil before the heat of the day causes excessive evaporation. Avoid watering in the evening, as this can promote fungal growth if leaves remain wet overnight.

What’s the Right Way to Water a Newly-Planted Tree?

Slow, deep watering is more effective than frequent, shallow watering. This encourages roots to grow deeper, making the tree more resilient to drought.

So, how do you water trees slowly and deeply?

Use a Soaker Hose or Drip Irrigation

Both soaker hoses and drip irrigation deliver water directly to the root zone, reducing water loss through evaporation.

Place the soaker hose in a spiral pattern around the tree, starting about 6 inches from the trunk and extending to the drip line (edge of the canopy). Don’t wrap it directly around the tree trunk where it could cause excess moisture buildup and fungal issues.

For drip irrigation, place the emitters around the outer edge of your new tree’s root ball to encourage roots to grow outward, helping anchor the tree and giving it access to more sources of moisture.

Can You Give a Young Tree Too Much Water in Summer?

Many homeowners, in a well-meaning attempt to ensure their new tree gets enough moisture to thrive during summer’s high temperatures, end up giving their tree too much water. While a lack of water is clearly a problem, people often don’t realize that overwatering can be just as harmful to new trees.

Signs of Overwatering and Underwatering

Overwatering Signs

• Yellowing leaves
• Soft, mushy bark near the base of the tree
• Fungal growth on the trunk or soil surface
• Standing water or consistently soggy soil

Underwatering Signs

• Wilting or drooping leaves, especially in the afternoon
• Leaf scorch (brown edges on leaves)
• Premature leaf drop
• Slow growth or dieback of branches

If you’re unsure whether your new tree has enough water, stick your finger into the soil near the drip line up to the second knuckle. If it feels dry, water the tree. If it’s moist, wait another day or two. If it’s wet, check your irrigation system or how often/long you’re manually watering the tree. Standing water or soggy soil is never a good sign.

Tailor Your Young Tree Watering Schedule to Raleigh’s Summer Weather

Raleigh’s climate can be unpredictable, with periods of heavy rainfall followed by extended dry spells. To ensure your newly planted trees thrive, it’s important to adapt your watering schedule to these changing conditions. Here’s how you can adjust your tree care routine to match Raleigh’s weather patterns:

Adjusting for Rainfall

Raleigh receives an average of 46 inches of rain annually, but this isn’t evenly distributed throughout the year. To make the most of natural rainfall:

• Use a rain gauge: Place a simple rain gauge in your yard to accurately measure rainfall. This helps you determine if your trees are getting enough water naturally.
• Check soil moisture: After rainfall, check the soil moisture around your trees. Insert a garden trowel or screwdriver into the soil near the tree’s drip line. If it goes in easily and the soil feels damp, you can likely skip your next scheduled watering.
• Adjust watering frequency: For every inch of rainfall, you can typically skip one watering session for newly planted trees. However, light drizzles or brief showers often don’t provide enough water to penetrate deeply, so don’t assume all rain is sufficient.
• Be wary of runoff: During heavy rains, especially after dry periods, water may run off instead of soaking in. If this happens, you may still need to water your trees even after rainfall.
• Consider seasonality: Spring in Raleigh often brings more consistent rainfall. You might need to water less during this time, but keep close track of weather conditions as summer approaches and rainfall becomes less reliable.

Dealing with Heat Waves and Drought in Raleigh

Raleigh’s summers can bring extended periods of high temperatures and drought, which can be particularly stressful for young trees. Here’s how to protect your trees during these challenging conditions:

• Increase watering frequency: During heat waves or drought, you may need to water your newly planted trees twice a week or even daily if signs of stress appear. Always water deeply rather than increasing the frequency of light watering.
• Water early or late: During extreme heat, water very early in the morning (before sunrise if possible) or in the evening after sunset to minimize water loss through evaporation. If watering in the evening, avoid wetting leaves and branches.
• Use mulch effectively: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around your trees, extending to the drip line. This helps retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature. Remember to keep mulch a few inches away from the tree trunk to prevent rot.
• Monitor for signs of stress: Watch for wilting leaves, curling edges, or premature leaf drop. If you notice these signs, increase your watering immediately.
• Consider temporary shade: For small, newly planted trees, you might want to provide temporary shade during the hottest part of the day using a shade cloth or umbrella.
• Avoid fertilizing: During drought periods, avoid fertilizing your trees. This can stress the roots as they try to take up nutrients in dry soil.
• Follow local water restrictions: During severe droughts, Raleigh may implement a staged approach to water conservation based on the water supply levels at Falls Lake. Stay up-to-date on the latest conditions and adapt your watering schedule accordingly.

By tailoring your watering schedule to Raleigh’s weather patterns, you’ll help your newly planted trees establish strong root systems that can withstand future heat waves and dry spells. The goal is to provide consistent moisture to the root zone, adapting your approach as weather conditions change throughout the year.