Proper watering is one of the most important factors that determine a citrus tree's overall health and fruit production.

Frequency

Best practices are to provide water once per week in the early spring and then twice per week in late spring. Increase the frequency in the summer and reduce it in the fall and winter. 

Quantity

The amount of water you should provide depends on the tree's size, soil type, and moisture. Generally, a 5-gallon size requires 3-5 gallons of water every irrigation session. 15-gallon sizes need 10-15 gallons of water, and larger trees need more.

Automatic Irrigation

Automatic irrigation systems increase efficiency by ensuring consistent watering times and amounts by reducing operator error. The duration a system should run depends on the flow rate. To determine your flow rate, collect the water over a set timeframe, or use a 2-4 GPM bubbler. Bubblers are very commonly used for fruit trees, but people also use drip and sprinkler systems.

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