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tree watering ideas?

flugge

flugge

Well-Known Member
I am planning on planting about 150 trees on one of my farms about 2 hours from my house. There is no water on the property, and not the easiest area to get a water tank into either. What does everyone do to help new plant trees take off and grow? Any ideas or suggestions? Likely, I wouldnt be able to haul water every weekend in buckets either, as I only get to that property about once a month at best due to work. Any help is great, thanks
 
Trees

I have planted a lot of trees on my farms, it is rare (maybe once in 15 years)that we water them., unless you are talking apple or fruit trees?

In my opinion if it is not convenient, you almost have to hope for rain, and let nature take it's course. Re-plant any that do die.

What are you planting?
 
I would say be very selective about what you plant. Some trees are tougher than others.
 
If you can't water much, need to keep surrounding vegetation from competing. Mulching can help, too. I use water polymers too since my soil doesn't hold a lot of moisture. Some species do better without care than others though, sumac is one of the toughest.
 
Like above. Plant early so you catch the early spring rains. Mulch em like mad but watch out for mulch that attracts critters - keep trees protected. if we get into drought periods & trees look stressed, 150 trees, I mean, if you could do a 300 gallon tank somehow and at least find a way to get them a couple gallons each, sure would be nice in emergency.
 
Small trees take a gallon milk jug put a small hole pencil lead size in the side inch off the bottom .Leave cap on jug .Lasts a long time,keeps just a spot around tree wet enough to keep tree alive between rains.
 
Windwalker said:
Small trees take a gallon milk jug put a small hole pencil lead size in the side inch off the bottom .Leave cap on jug .Lasts a long time,keeps just a spot around tree wet enough to keep tree alive between rains.
Click to expand...

I have heard just about the same thing with a 5 gallon bucket. Drill a 1/16th or 1/32nd hole on the side next to the bottom and the same size or smaller in the lid. The problem still remains on how to get water to the area.

I think I've seen the polymer things. Little cubes you soak in water for a day or so then put a few in the whole with the tree. Do they work if you are just cutting a slice in the ground as opposed to digging a hole?

I also say just drink a lot of beer when you're there and let nature take it's course......
 
I planted five hundred trees and shrubs and used the polymer with them. They were smaller granules of polymer and I made a slurry and dipped the bare root trees and shrubs in before planting. It is supposed to get them through the first growing season until they can establish roots. They seemed to do very well we will see this coming spring.
 
Thanks for all the replies guys... of all the reading I have done, I figured I was going to use a spade to plant them all, due to reading they stand a better chance to survive. So I guess as soon as I get started, I will start taking photos and have to make a post on my progress. I guess at this point, it will be what it will be.. I like the milk jug and bucket idea, I guess my main goal is going to have to be to find a water tank that I can get out there once a year maybe. Thanks for the input guys!!
 
How about a sand point / pump/ small generator that you haul in when you want to water them? Or get one of those food grade IBC 275 gallon plastic cubes and haul it in with a skid loader if you have one or have access to get in with one. Just a couple ideas to ponder...
 
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