Water
Utah is a desert with a climate that is getting hotter and drier. Many County residents wonder how they can conserve water and have big, healthy trees to shade their homes and conserve energy. Trees, like any living organism, need water but many people have simply quit watering particularly in parking strips. The result is hundreds of dead and dying trees in the valley that will cost millions to replace.
Properly planted and placed trees will reduce evaporation from turf and garden areas and create microclimates within the garden that reduce water needs. The Conservation Gardens at Jordan Valley has a woodland garden planted with smaller trees that uses 25% less water than a traditional yard. We recommend practicing wise watering techniques that reduce waste and overwatering but that ensure every plant in your garden, including trees, receives the water it needs.
- Water trees on a separate schedule from lawns and gardens
- Water deeply and slowly so that the soil is moist to 12-18 inches deep
- Water before your tree is stressed by high temperatures
- Water in several locations in the drip line, the area under the tree canopy and out to the edges of the branches
- Water more often during June, July, and August and during hot, windy weather
- Water trees planted next to sidewalks and driveways and in sunny exposed locations more often
Although each tree has its own water needs, you can use these general watering guidelines to ensure your tree stays healthy and strong:
- 5-10 gallons per every inch of tree diameter measured at about knee high
- Newly planted trees: twice per week
- 1-3 inch trees: once per week
- 4-8 inch trees: every ten days
- 10+ inch trees: twice a month
Periodically test the soil’s moisture level using a screw driver, piece of rebar, or soil auger; the probe will go in easily in moist soil and stop when it hits dry soil. Trees need moisture to 12-18 inches deep. Learn more about xeriscaping and trees in a water-wise landscape.
Salt Lake City Public Utilities summer garden care (PDF 222.39kb)
Jordan Valley Conservation Garden guide to waterwise gardens (PDF 1.04mb)
Utah State University Extension Services guide to efficient watering of trees and shrubs (PDF 193.94kb)
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