Irrigating trees and shrubs is an important maintenance procedure that is often overlooked or misunderstood. The frequency and amount of water trees and shrubs require can vary. A regular watering routine is not always possible to maintain especially during a drought or excessive rainfall. Here are some tips regarding proper irrigation for healthy trees and shrubs.

Monitor and Adjust Your Sprinkler Systems as Needed

Sprinkler systems can be a source of overwatering problems if their settings are left unchecked.  Monitoring the sprinkler setting on a regular basis is recommended and will need to be adjusted according to seasonal conditions. Checking the soil with your fingers is a simple yet effective practice to undertake. While the soil may look dry on the surface, it may be moist a few inches below the grade.

What Can Happen with Over/Under Watering?

Consistent overwatering can lead to root rot. It can also disrupt the root anchorage causing plants to lean. When left too dry during prolonged periods of time, plants do not receive the adequate amount of water and nutrients needed to thrive.

During times of drought, watering mature trees with a garden hose is seldom beneficial. They are well adapted to endure these types of stressors. However, new plantings require regular attention to prevent drying of delicate roots.

“Girdling” Can Impact the Roots’ Absorption of Water & Nutrients

Trees and shrubs can sustain damage when encasing materials have not been removed in a timely fashion. For example, the root wrap that trees or shrubs are planted in can cause girdling of the root. Girdling is the result of roots being restricted from growing outward and therefore become intertwined around the trunk. When this occurs the roots are being constricted, thereby cutting off the supply of water and nutrients the tree requires.

To avoid girdling, if the wrap is made of plastic remove it immediately before planting. If it is made of natural burlap, ensure that it is loose enough and make some cuts so the roots can be exposed. Once a tree is staked and guyed remember to loosen or remove the cable around the trunk when no longer required. Also, as and when trees mature, remember to loosen or remove such things as picnic benches chained to trees, makeshift clothes lines tied around trunks and toddler swings chained to tree branches. If these items are left unattended they can cause significant damage to the trees.

The 2018 spring season is off to a late start due to the persistent cold weather we have experienced. Now is a good time to look after pruning your trees or remove them entirely should there be a reason to do so.  Contact Alexander Tree Care for a free on-site estimate at your convenience.

Alexander Tree Care has been serving Toronto and York Region; including  Newmarket, Aurora, Richmond Hill, Markham, Georgina, Vaughan, Bradford King City, King Township and areas for over 10 years. An ISA certified arborist will always be on any crew to perform expert tree and shrub service. For peace of mind we are fully insured and covered by WSIB. Don’t forget to follow what our customers have been saying about Alexander Tree Care. Check out our reviews on HomeStars and Google.

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Till next time,

Alexander