Newly planted tree watering frequency?

cleveland

We had an 18 ft tall cedar of lebanon & 15 ft blue atlas cedar planted approx. 1.5 months ago-(12-1-08). We live in Oklahoma & the soil is clay. The nursery put approx 3-4 inches of mulch around each tree and told us to water every 10 days. I am seeing some yellow/brown needle tips here and there. The nursery told us to water every 10 days & I have been checking the soil/clay around/under the mulch frequently and it is damp to moderately wet and i have stopped watering for the past 2 weeks. Should I water less and is checking the soil often by hand for dampness the best way to monitor watering? Thanks!!!

TreeDimensional

Cleveland, I think you have a good handle on what is going on. As it is winter time, and the trees in your area are somewhat dormant, less is more in regards to watering.

I too am in heavy clay, and standing water is NOT a good thing. Less frequent SLOW watering is better than the opposite. IF you apply water too fast in increases soil compaction and hence limits root production. The other thing is suffocation of the absorbing roots as well as fungal and viral issues!

Here, again, is a great site that will answer some of your questions: Powerpoints - Landscape plants - Edward F. Gilman - UF/IFAS

The Power point section is VERY useful.

Good luck, and others will be along shortly to offer advice!

cleveland

TreeDimensional-

I don't want to kill our beautiful new trees, so thank you for the reply/info and the link!!!!! I will check it out.

newguy18

Yep overwatering,also can we get a pic of where the trunk of the trees are planted,could be planted to deep as well.

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old schooler

cleveland

I am having problems getting the tree pics copied to this post. I will try to figure it out.

TreeDimensional

Large trees appear to suffer the worst when transplanted. It is real important to understand the relationship of root and shoot. As a general rule, evergreens should have a ratio of 12:1 ( that is 12" of soil diameter to 1" of trunk diameter, 16 inches above grade) This is difficult to measure with the species you have transplanted.

Time out of the ground, container or B&B size, method of handling and transportation methods all play into the survivability of the trees. Good on you to notice the subtle changes, I wish I had a few clients like YOU!

Check Dr. Gilman's power points to see how good or bad your whole situation is, in the event some of the trees die, it might make getting replacements a bit easier if you go back loaded with info!

Have fun and most of all enjoy your NEW trees!