Newly planted Apple trees require regular water during Spring thru Fall to establish.  The frequency mainly depends on how hot it is. Therefore, you water more frequently (possibly every other day) during a heat wave in the summer than in the spring and fall. *Newly planted young apple trees require regular water during the spring thru fall growing season for healthy growth and fruit production. Irrigation frequency changes by the season. Begin watering weekly in the beginning of Spring once plants leaf out. Increase the frequency as the weather warms towards the Summer. Irrigate 2-3 times a week during the Spring and Summer, providing supplemental water during heat waves.  If possible, spray water overhead and surrounding area to cool the area.

Are you watering with a hose or automatic irrigation system?

If you’re watering with a hose, you need to make sure the ground isn’t flat and that there is a berm (or water well) built up around the tree’s canopy so the water collects above the roots and doesn’t run off. Watering with a hose is the least initial setup cost but the most time consuming in the long run.

Types of Automatic Irrigation Systems:

There are also ways to automatically water your trees; Bubblers, sprinklers, and drips are the most common types of automatic irrigation systems. The duration a system should run depends on the emitters flow rate (GPM - gallons per minute). These irrigation systems help ensure consistent watering times and quantity and reduce operator error.

In order to fully saturate the soil around the tree’s roots, flood the watering well multiple times. Irrigation systems should be run long enough to saturate the soil depending on the flow rate.

Water Frequency:

Water frequency varies depending on seasonal weather conditions such as temperature, wind speed, humidity, soil type, and plant health. It’s important to know that sandier soils will dry faster, while clay holds more water and dries slower.

Some general guidelines include:

• Water newly planted trees 1-3 times per week during the Spring and Summer
• Increase frequency with higher temperatures and wind speeds
• Reduce frequency once temperatures drop in Winter
• Remember, lack of water, combined with high temps can result in the leaf's stomates (pores) to close causing the surface to get too hot and breakdown the chlorophyll turning the leaves yellow and/or die.

Quantity of Water:

The quantity of water should be enough to saturate the soil around the trees roots, then drain to field capacity. Clay soils retain more water than sandy/loamy soils. In general:

• Provide about 3-5 gallons of water for a 5 gallon size plant
• 12-15 gallons of water for a 15 gallon size plant
• 20-25 gallons of water for a 25 gallon size plant
• All this is dependent on soil type

Below are a few tips to save water and grow healthy plants

1. Spread a few inches of mulch above the roots to reduce evaporation.
2. Reduce frequency of water when weather cools down in the fall/winter. Consider turning irrigation systems off the in winter.
3. Try to water during the coolest part of the day.
4. Use drought tolerant plant varieties.

By following these watering instructions, you can help ensure that your apple trees receive the moisture they need to thrive and produce healthy, abundant fruit.