Tree advice.

[CharlieBoulder94]

Evening. I have just planted a cherry tree 12-14ft. And a eucalyptus 10ft. I just wondering would they need a water everyday for 2 weeks as I've been told and then once a fortnight. Many thanks Charlie. Also the garden is south facing so sun all day (not much this time of year)

[CharlieBoulder94]

Sorry forgot to add it's heavy clay.

[Goaty]

I would mulch with organic matter when the weather starts to dry up.

Watering them too much will encourage only local root growth not self sustaining deeper roots.

If it's an absolute drought they may need twice a week. But personally I would not water at all unless they start to show stress. The leaves will go dull.

I assume the roots were plentiful already.

 

Clay holds water for a long time but is a pig to moisten once dry. The surface is nothing to go by.

[CharlieBoulder94]

I have already put some mulch/bark down. I won't be there to water them. So need to tell them what to do!

[fagus]

A bit to know to give good advice i.e how well were they planted. Is there an irrigation pipe to get the water to down low to where it is needed; were the trees planted bare root or from containers/rootball. If they were well planted with good drainage overwatering is unlikely in two weeks.-so a few watering cans twice a week; especially as they are coming into leaf.

This is what the RHS think, I am an ex Wisley student.

Insufficient watering in the first two years after planting is the main cause of poor establishment. Remedy: Check moisture levels around roots with a trowel. If the soil is dry watering, to soak the root zone, requires at least the equivalent of four watering cans per square metre.

 

Weeds, lawns and other vegetation intercept water before it reaches the roots.

Remedy: Keep a circle at least 1.2m (4ft) in diameter around the base of the plant that is vegetation free for three years after planting, using hoeing, weedkillers or mulch.

 

In hot, dry weather, plants lose moisture very quickly.

 

Nearby trees, shrubs and hedges can cast a rain shadow. They also have thirsty wide-ranging roots, leading to greater watering requirements than expected.

 

Good luck, nice trees.