How much water does a freshly planted crepe myrtle tree need in hot dry Texas in August?

Question

I almost lost 2 freshly planted crepe myrtles so I have been watering them more and they seem to be coming back. Can you overwater them though?

Answer 1

You can overwater nearly anything (except aquatics), but that's not too likely with crepe myrtles in Texas! Since they are freshly planted, you will need to give them more frequent watering than you will when they are well-rooted and established in the soil. A deep slow watering is best. The roots of the plant will seek the moisture, so a deep watering encourages deep rooting. Having deep roots will keep the plants healthier and more drought tolerant. It would also be a good idea, after you have given the plants a good soak, to put an inch or 2 of mulch around them. That will help keep the soil cool and keep it from drying out so quickly. I like compost or Cocoa Mulch because they actually provide a slow-release source of nutrition for the plants, and the Cocoa Mulch smells like chocolate when you first spread it. But you could also use bark nuggets.

Answer 2

A slow, deep trickle is ideal. Put the hose on the plant early in the morning (assuming you get up early!) and let it run until you leave for work.
Repeat when you get home. Leave the hose on for an hour.
Avoid watering overnight. The plants aren't going through photosythesis at night and therefore don't need water. You increase your risk of a disease agents forming when watering at night.
Overwatering isn't likely on Crapemyrtle in the summer. Symptoms of overwatering are actually similar to those of lack of water! A good rule of thumb is to scoop up a nice wad of soil from around the root ball. If you can wring out water from the wad, then that's too much water. If you squeeze and the soil is moist but not dripping, then you are on the right track.
Good luck!

Answer 3

Not in the ground, and not in a drought, and not when they are freshly planted!! You should water them every day on really hot and dry days, and every other day at the least! Just give them a nice long drink pretty often, and next spring and summer, you should have beautiful, blooming crepe myrtles! :)

Answer 4

Water when you see the leaves begin to droop. Due to the drought & water restrictions here, to conserve water, watch the tree everyday. The tree will tell you when it's thirsty. Then you can rest assured that your not over watering either.

Answer 5

You need lots of water. But we are in a drought remember ? I would say to leave the hose running very slow over night for them to get a good soaking. Good- luck !

Answer 6

You need to water them every single day.

Answer 7

here in texas ,its not likely that youwill over water them!its so hot and dry right now that any extra will evaporate very quickly!

Answer 8

they can be over watered. push your finger into the soil arond the tree if dry water