If you want a tree to grow up to be old and reliable, you’ll need to start it off strong with proper watering. Too much or too little water will cause trees to have several problems. If allowed to persist, these problems will eventually kill the trees.
The experts at Brook Tree Service are your trusted tree specialists in Sherborn. We can show you how to tell if a tree is overwatered or underwatered and help you bring incorrectly watered trees back to good health.
How To Check the Soil for Moisture
Your trees may have physical symptoms revealing how much water they receive, but the soil reveals a lot.
The easiest way is to take a 6-inch dowel, screwdriver, or garden stake and drive it into the ground. If you can’t get very far, the soil is too dry. Moist soil will allow it to pass through fairly easily, and wet soil will be very easy, albeit a bit squishy.
For a clear picture of what’s happening, dig a small hole about 7 inches deep. The soil should be cool and moist. You should be able to roll it into a ball and break it apart, but this may not always work since sandy soil won’t hold together and clay soil will be sticky.
Symptoms of an Overwatered Tree
Trees need water, but don’t overdo it. Too much water will suffocate the roots by restricting the flow of oxygen. You’ll know you’re overwatering your trees if:
- The soil around the tree is always muddy or puddling with excess water
- Green leaves break easily
- New growth is yellow or light green
- New growth withers and dies
How To Resolve Overwatering
Don’t water your tree for about two weeks to allow the excess water to soak into the soil. Check the soil’s moisture to determine when to water again.
If it rains during this time, watch to see where water collects. If it collects at the base of the tree, add compost to the top few inches of soil to create better drainage. Consider rerouting rain spouts if they direct water toward your trees.
Symptoms of an Underwatered Tree
Underwatered trees may be easier to spot and might be more common as temperatures rise. You’ll notice:
- Curled leaves with brown tips
- Leaves turning yellow or brown
- The tree canopy thinning out
- Leaves dropping early, possibly in summer
How To Resolve Underwatering
Slow and deep watering will be more effective than quick and shallow. Water at the base of the tree, and be mindful of how much water drains away. You may need to use compost or mulch to retain moisture.
The Right Way To Water a Tree
Knowing how to tell if a tree is overwatered or underwatered is key to watering correctly.
Only water the ground so the roots can get all the water. Trunks and leaves won’t benefit from being wet, and may even develop diseases because of it.
Ensure your tree has properly draining soil to control overwatering and underwatering. Water will be able to reach the roots deep in the ground while excess water can drain away.
Dig up and observe your soil to determine if it’s sandy, loamy, or clay. Sandy soil drains quickly and needs to be watered more often, while clay soil holds onto more water and shouldn’t be watered as often. Loamy soil is ideal because it’s the middle option between the two.
Brooke Tree Service Is Here To Help
We’re tree professionals who can help you understand how tree roots get into pipes, how to tell if a tree is overwatered or underwatered, and everything in between. Call us at (508) 613-5044 for all your tree needs.