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8 1/2 foot Spartan Juniper watering requirement #868127
Asked May 12, 2024, 9:55 PM EDT
Last year I had several 8.5 foot Spartan Junipers planted. I am assuming that their root systems have been extablished.
Living in an area with heavily clay soil which doesn't drain very well -- how often should I water (ie.: every other day, every 2 or 3 days?) Also, how many gallons of water should I give them on a drip system? Would 30 gallons of water every other day be TOO MUCH? I have read that Spartan Junipers are hardy, can tolerate clay soil and drought conditions. Living In the Highlands Ranch Area which has clay soil, would giving them TOO MUCH WATER contribute to Root Rot? Would it be better to let the soil dry out in between waterings? I am getting conflicting information and would appreciate your recommendation for watering in our arid climate.
Douglas County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Nadia,
Sorry I forgot to address that in your question about branches.
For a tree of that size, one year may not be enough time for establishment, but you are right that over-watering can be as damaging as under-watering. Once the trees are in fact established, they should require no supplemental watering whatsoever.
For newly planted trees up to establishment, the Colorado State Forest Service recommends, as a starting point, 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter (measured at 4 feet above ground) per week. If your trees have, say, a 2" trunk, 20 gallons of water a week would be appropriate to start with. You can adjust that number then depending on how wet the soil stays in the root ball, which you can check easily with your finger--if the top inch or so of soil is dry, you'll want to water. Apply the water so that the soil is soaked deeply in order to promote the trees' roots to proliferate widely and deeply into the soil.
30 gallons every two days is likely too much, but base watering on the soil conditions around the tree rather than a rigorous schedule.
I hope this is helpful!
Cordially,
John
Thank you for your prompt response....
