watering question

[kate]

I got my 8 ft red maple transplanted and am hauling water to it. So far it's gotten 5 gallons of water but I really don't know how much water and how often. Any advice?

Kate Nashville TN

[Emery Davis]

Hi Kate,

The best is to water it heavily, but less often. How much will depend on the earth and exposition, but assuming good deep soil I'd go for 100 litres every 8 days or so.

Assuming you mean A. rubrum they're fond of a drink. ;)

-E

[kate]

Apparently so - wow! I'm going to have some muscles. How long should I keep this up? I planted the tree 5 years ago and probably watered it some it's first year but never have since but I'm willing to go the distance to make sure it survives.

Thanks,

Kate

[Emery Davis]

[]100 litres every 8 days or so.

Just this year, once it has a winter under it's belt it'll be fine on its own. I assumed from your post it was a spring move, not from the fall.

In any case if you've got a wet spot or get a little rain you can let off a bit. Otherwise, that's why God created tractors! :) Good luck with it, a nice tree.

-E

[Lynn]

I would give it really good deep watering once a week to 10 days if you don't have any rain in that time. One of those ground soaking hoses will not only be a time /water saver but also a back saver

[kate]

Thanks, Lynn. In my neighbor's yard, where the tree got transplanted to, we like to do things the hard way. No stinkin' hoses with tap water for us. :) The water must sit out 24 hours so the sun can burn the chemicals out.

Kate

Lynn wrote:

[chocolatemalt]

To really make sure you burn the chemicals out you may want to let it sit for couple of weeks. The particularly nasty chemical I have in mind is dihydrogen monoxide, which can cause fatal breathing afflictions. Hope that helps.