When to water fruit trees in spring: timing and rules

Like other plants, fruit trees require watering. Water ensures the life, development, and fruit formation of plants. The quality of the harvest depends on the condition of the trees. Let's look at how much and when to water fruit trees in the spring.

How to properly water fruit trees

Avoid watering trees during flowering, as this can cause the fruit ovaries to fall off, resulting in a failed harvest. Watering in warm and cool weather will improve the tree's health. Water to a depth of no more than 80 cm, and avoid watering the root collar.

When to water garden crops for the first time

The first time you water your trees is before flowering, when the buds are just beginning to open. This is essential for rapid leaf growth and flowering. Over the next three months, you should water the garden 2-3 times, sometimes more, depending on the tree's type. Two weeks after flowering ends, a second watering is necessary to further encourage fruit development. Newly planted trees should be watered 2-3 times per month.

Basic methods of watering the garden

You can combine watering methods or use just one. Here are a few ways to properly water fruit trees:

1. In the tree trunk circle. Despite the complexity of the process, this method is one of the most effective. First, dig a small area of ​​soil under the tree, equal to its diameter. Next, dig a trench 0.4 m deep, approximately 0.3 m from the trunk. Fill the resulting hole with water.
2. Surface. The only difference from watering into the tree's trunk circle is the shape of the depression. We dig a "bowl" 0.3–0.4 m away and also fill it with water. It's then advisable to surround it with a parapet around the entire perimeter.
3. Drip. The most complex and labor-intensive irrigation method. A main pipeline must be installed between all the trees. Using this method, you can independently regulate the water flow.
4. Sprinkling. To use this method, you need to purchase sprayers and connect them to a hose. This will wet not only the tree roots but also their foliage. Adjust the water flow so that it's a spray rather than a strong stream.

Watering rate

Irrigation rate is the volume of liquid required to water plants, including fruit trees. This rate depends on the tree species, its age, and growth. Weather and soil composition also play a significant role. Trees require less water in rainy weather, and more in dry weather. If a plant is planted in sandy soil, the amount of water required is less, but it will need to be watered more frequently. Approximate irrigation rates for trees of different ages:

• seedling – 35–45 l;
• 3–6 years – 60–70 l;
• 7–12 years – 130–150 l;
• over 12 years old – 30–50 l (per 1 sq. m. of tree trunk circle);

How much and how to water trees correctly

Young tree, first year after planting

Immediately after planting, the tree should be watered generously. This is done to moisten and compact the soil around the roots. Young trees require watering twice a week for the first two months after planting.

To avoid overwatering the plant, check the soil moisture periodically by inserting a small wooden stick into the soil. If the top 10 cm of soil is dry, it's time to water again. After two months, leave a hose with a thin stream of water at the root zone for about two hours to irrigate the tree. In late summer, water less frequently.

Two-year-old seedling

To continue proper root formation, the tree needs to be watered less frequently, but the volume of water added should increase to 70–90 liters of water at a time.

After three years

The frequency of watering at this age depends entirely on the weather. In spring and fall, watering is essential, and in summer, only on hot days.

How to combine watering and fertilizing

To ensure a bountiful harvest, trees need to be fertilized periodically. There are several ways to combine fertilizing and watering fruit trees; let's look at two of the simplest:

1. It is necessary to add fertilizer to the tree trunk circles and water the tree frequently and abundantly throughout the month.
2. After flowering, loosen the soil around the roots to a depth of 10 cm and add one-third of the required water. Then, fertilize the plant and add the remaining water.

The nuances of watering

The frequency and method of watering depends not only on age, but also on the weather and time of year.

Depending on the time of year

Unlike autumn and summer watering, spring irrigation is essential, especially in May. It's best to water the roots using fertilizer.

It depends on the weather

Watering is essential throughout all three months, but the frequency depends on weather conditions. In hot weather, fruit trees require moisture, so watering should be done as frequently as possible. Due to the heat, water droplets that land on the leaves can cause burns. In late spring, especially in late May, temperatures rise, so watering should be done early in the morning or evening. On rainy days, there's no need to worry about watering the plants, as they will be fully saturated with moisture. Once frequent rainfall ceases, watering can be resumed after a few days.

Is it possible to water trees while the fruits are ripening?

Even in dry weather, there's no need to water the plant for three weeks before harvest. During this time, the fruits accumulate vitamins and minerals. This will make them tastier, juicier, and more aromatic. The shelf life of the fruits will be extended, as they won't become too watery.

Rules for watering a plant after replanting

Throughout the year after replanting, the tree must be thoroughly watered and the soil loosened slightly to ensure sufficient oxygen reaches the root system. Despite the plant's critical and stressed state, watering should be appropriate for its age. With proper care, new shoots will begin to emerge, and the root will grow into the soil without any problems.

Common mistakes

Even a seemingly minor mistake when watering can lead to irreversible consequences: a poor harvest, disease, and disruption of the tree's growth and root system. Here are some common mistakes:

1. Irrigation during and after rainy days.
2. Watering trees too often.
3. Using tap water.
4. Watering during the day on hot days.
5. Insufficient watering.
6. Watering the plant directly under its trunk.