You’ve done the hard work of getting your bareroot apple tree in the ground—now comes the most important part of early tree care: Watering.
At Wafler Nursery, we often say that more young trees are lost to improper watering than almost any other cause. Whether you are planting a single tree in your backyard or starting a high-density orchard, getting the moisture right is the key to a healthy harvest down the road.
Why Post-Planting Watering is Critical
When a bareroot tree is first planted, its root system is minimal. It hasn’t yet established the fine “feeder roots” that suck up moisture from the surrounding soil. Until those roots grow, the tree is entirely dependent on the water you provide directly to its root zone.
3 Rules for Watering New Trees
1. The “First Soak”
Immediately after planting, you must give the tree a heavy soaking. This isn’t just about hydration; it’s about physics. Water helps the soil settle around the roots, eliminating air pockets. If a root is sitting in an air pocket rather than touching soil, it will dry out and die.
2. Frequency vs. Volume
It is much better to water deeply and less frequently than to give the tree a light sprinkle every day.
- Deep Watering: Encourages roots to grow downward into the soil to find moisture, creating a more drought-resistant tree.
- Surface Watering: Keeps roots near the surface, making them vulnerable to heat and drying out.
3. The Finger Test
Don’t water on a strict schedule—water based on the soil’s needs. Stick your finger two inches into the soil near the trunk.
- If it feels dry: Give it a deep soak.
- If it feels muddy: Hold off for a day or two. Overwatering can “drown” roots by removing the oxygen they need to breathe.
Pro-Tip: Use Mulch to Conserve Moisture
To help your watering efforts go further, apply a 2-3 inch layer of wood chips or mulch around the base of the tree. This acts as a blanket, keeping the soil cool and preventing evaporation. Just remember: Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and rodent damage!
How Much is Enough?
For a newly planted bareroot tree, aim for approximately 5 to 10 gallons of water per week during the growing season, depending on your soil type and rainfall. During extreme heat waves, you may need to increase this frequency.