I transplanted a couple of trees, blue spruces to be exact. How long do I have to water them?

Question

I've been watering them everyday for a week. Can I stop soon and let nature take its course?

Answer 1

I'd think you could go to once a week waterings by now.. if you water too much, you can cause problems..

Once you see the trees put on new growth, you should be good to go to natural watering only. Just keep an eye on them.. if it gets hot and dry, they'll likely need a drink every once in a while.

to test.. put your finger in the soil and if it's dry over 2" down.. WATER!

Answer 2

Every day is overkill. You don't want to drown and rot the roots.

After transplanting, you water well at the time of transplant. Thereafter, you water about once a week. Water by placing the hose near the base of the tree, and turning it on to a trickle for about 45 minutes. If you stand and water a lot, most of the water will merely flow over the ground and end up elsewhere. You want to make sure it soaks into the rootball.

A slow, deep soak is better than a flash flood. And not every day. Stop watering everyday. If it doesn't rain in the next week, you can water again.

I would pay attention to anything that has been transplanted until it's been established for a year. So if it rains normally, don't water. But come the hot, dry season - (like August) it will be more susceptible to drought than established plants. Continue the once a week slow soak during dry spells.

Answer 3

I have the perfect solution for you. Go to your nearest Landscape Supplier store ASAP. Tell them you wish to water in a transplanted tree(s). We use a device that you wrap around the tree and fill with water and liquid nutrients for transplants and new trees. This provides a drip irrigation to the roots, the nutrients and is not unsightly.
They come in units of 10-50 gallons of water and need to be filled weekly. Forgive me but the name of the unit escapes me. I do know it will not be available at the K-Mart, Wal-Mart, etc. The wrap-around is against the trunk and is adjustable to the caliber of the trunk.
Given the recent transplant I would add a liquid nutrient to the mix once a month. Fill the bag weekly during the entire season! Remove them in October. Then Mother Nature has her say. They cost about $20-30 per bag (big ones). They save countless hours in labor.
On the aside, since you transplanted the trees, do not be alarmed if the blue not only fades, but, is not present for a few years. Most Blue Spruce do not recover the "Blue" for five years. Hope it helps.

Answer 4

I'd suggest that you go to every other day for a week, and then twice a week, for the next two weeks. By then the trees should have taken, and the tap root will be seeking a water supply. The only change from that routine, would be if it should become excessively dry and hot, then you might give them some additional water.

Answer 5

i would keep watering them until the end of the hot season. the more you water them the faster the roots will grow so it can find water on its own. as a rule of thumb if you transplant between october and april they should be established by the end of summer with sufficient watering, usually once a day when it doesnt rain. of course it does depend on your location. here in the south we have long periods without rain in summer and when thats the case they need to be watered every day. once they establish, only water when needed.

Answer 6

I planted 28 blue spruce 8 years ago and only watered them when I planted them. They all are still alive today.

Answer 7

It all depends on soil and weather conditions where you live. Contact a nursery and ask them. Blue spruces can die from overwatering.