Irrigation Management Basics

Water Frequency – The frequency of water depends on seasonal weather conditions such as temperature, wind speed, and humidity, as well as factors like soil type and plant health. Sandy soils dry faster than clay soils.

In General

• Water newly planted trees 2 times per week during the Spring and Fall seasons.
• Increase the frequency when temperatures increase during the Summer
• Reduce frequency once temperatures drop in Winters

Quantity of Water – Provide enough water to saturate the soil around the tree’s roots, then drain to field capacity. Clay soils hold more water than sandy soils.

In General

• Give about 3 – 5 gallons of water for a 5-gallon size plant,
• 15 gallons of water for a #15-size container plant
• 25 gallons for a #25 depending on soil type.

Types Automatic Irrigation Systems – Help reduce operator error

Bubblers, sprinklers, and drips are the most common types of automatic irrigation systems. The duration a system is run depends on the emitter’s flow rate.

Prune your tree to allow light into its center for proper growth and fruit production. 

Prune fruit trees in the Winter to maintain size and shape to prepare for Spring growth. Thin the tree in the Summer, and remove excessive fruits. Remove any dry twigs and branches. Cut off any new growth below the graft or very low in the tree, this will direct the plant’s energy to its main branches. Thin your trees during the Spring and Summer seasons to ensure the plant’s energy is directed as desired. Harvest ripe fruit to prevent undesired pests.

The basics of integrated pest management is cleanliness and the use of a combination of methods. This means we use of organic pesticide when the pest population reaches a threshold that requires action. Horticultural oils such as Neem oil is an organic pesticide that controls tiny, soft bodied insects. Use organic Bordeaux and Liqui-cop to manage fungus causing diseases such as powdery mildew, rust, and leaf-curls.

Keep a clean environment, free of weeds and dropped fruit that host insects or attract animals. Harvest when fruit reaches size and store indoors. Use repellants and bird netting to protect your harvest from other animals.

• Citrus trees require at least 5 hours of direct sunlight for proper growth and fruit production
• Afternoon Sunlight is more intense than the morning sun, therefore stress and damage can result if there is a lack of sufficient water.
• Lack of water combined with highly reflective surfaces like cinderblock walls, patios, fencing, etc can exasperate the breakdown of chlorophyll resulting in yellowing leaves. This is due to the building up of heat, and loss of water causing stomates in the leaf to close.
• Proper irrigation frequency and quantity, along with cooling of surrounding areas can assist in negating the effects of intense sunlight.
• Additionally, creating shade can assist in preventing tree damage caused by excessive sunlight and heat build-up