Bear in mind that it is possible to overwater new trees. This is problematic, as new trees need to establish a healthy root system. If the soil is too saturated it can become anaerobic, or lacking oxygen. Roots need oxygen in order to respirate, which is an important metabolic process.
A thorough watering every 7 to 14 days (when soil is dry) should be sufficient 4 to 5 weeks after planting. Continue this watering schedule through summer and into fall gradually tapering off frequency if soil is not drying too quickly (because of hot or dry weather for example).
Be patient: If you treat your tree well, the tree should recover from shock and establish itself. It can take up to 3 years for a tree with transplant shock to fully recover.
They demand more care than mature trees and can take a turn for the worse rather quickly if you don't water them correctly. Improper watering can adversely affect the tree, causing root rot and other significant issues that often lead to premature death. So, can you overwater a newly planted tree? The answer is yes.
Yellow, wilting leaves – While potentially caused by another condition, wilting yellow leaves are a sign of overwatering. Fungal growth, musty smell, and oozing – This is a sign of root rot, a fungal condition that develops when roots are drowned by overwatering.
The leaves will start to droop and turn yellow, and eventually, the tree will die. If you think your tree has been overwatered, it is important to act quickly. The sooner you address the problem, the better the chances are that your tree will recover.
Look at the leaves, needles, stems, fruits, and roots on your tree. They may shrink or have stunted and off-color growth if your tree needs water.
Wilting, rolling or curling leaves are common when a tree is experiencing transplant shock. Dying leaves, even in the spring and summer, can sometimes be found on stressed trees after planting. Discoloration of needles in evergreens is a sign of stress.
Trees provided with regular irrigation through the first growing season after transplanting require approximately 3 months (hardiness zones 9-11), 6 months (hardiness zones 7-8), or one year or more (hardiness zones 2-6) per inch of trunk diameter to fully establish roots in the landscape soil.
When daytime temperatures move into the 80s, water newly transplanted plants every other day. Once the air temperature hits the 90-degree mark, check the plants morning and evening, looking for wilted leaves as an indicator of dryness. Initially, a daily watering will be needed for small plants.
Symptoms of Transplant Shock
The plant may appear limp and droopy. Leaf yellowing: The leaves may turn yellow or even brown, especially at the edges or tips. This can be a sign of nutrient deficiency or reduced water uptake. Leaf drop: The plant may shed leaves as a response to the stress.
Fertilization at the time of planting is generally not recommended. It is ineffective until the root system has a chance to reestablish. It is usually advisable to wait two or three years before applying fertilizer, and then it is recommended to get a soil test first.
Luckily, young trees can stand up to overwatering, though it will take them some time to really prosper. Still, you shouldn't overwater younger trees. In fact, you should underwater them if anything.
Usually, the best time to water your tree is at after the sun has set or in the early morning, before the sun is high in the sky. Watering your tree between sunset and sunrise will help it replace any moisture it lost during the heat of the day and minimize that amount of water that evaporates.
Liquid and gel forms of root stimulators tend to be the most effective, safest, and easiest to use. BAC's Root Stimulator is one of the best root stimulator for plants.
Bear in mind that it is possible to overwater new trees. This is problematic, as new trees need to establish a healthy root system.
Q: What is the Survival Rate of Newly Transplanted Trees? You can expect about a 95 percent survival rate when Big Trees Today handles your tree transplant. Using an appropriate ratio when performing a tree transplant helps the survival of your tree in its new location.
We recommend soaking the root ball slowly with your garden hose, gradually moving the hose around the perimeter of the tree. In addition to soaking the root ball, water the area around the edge of the tree well to encourage outward root growth.
Transplant shock is a term that refers to a number of stresses occurring in recently transplanted trees and shrubs. It involves failure of the plant to root well, consequently the plant becomes poorly established in the landscape.
Apply the water over the root ball and the planting area, not on the trunk. Do not allow a sprinkler system to splash water on the trunk or leaves. Use an open-ended garden hose or tree watering bag (such as Treegator). Water every 2-3 days and give each plant at least 10-15 gallons of water per week.
EFFECTIVE TREATMENT: Maintain Adequate Moisture: Ensure the soil stays consistently damp but not saturated. Using a well-balanced soil mix can enhance drainage and keep moisture levels optimal, helping to avoid overwatering—a common problem following plant shock.
Leaves Turn Brown and Wilt
While it might seem counterintuitive, overwatering can lead to brown and wilted leaves just as underwatering can. Excessive moisture prevents the roots from absorbing nutrients properly, causing the leaves to lose color and vitality.
One good rule of thumb is to immediately irrigate a newly-planted tree with 2 to 3 gallons of water per inch of its trunk diameter. So a tree whose trunk is 2 inches in diameter when you plant it should be given 4 to 6 gallons of water right away. A newly-planted tree's roots only extend as far as the rootball.
"The most common reason a Christmas tree stops taking up water is because the cut at its base has filled with sap," Porwol says. "Ensure that the trunk is cut straight across, and not an angle or in a V shape. Flat cuts usually provide more surface area for water absorption."