As a rule, an apple tree in the home garden supplies itself with water. However, drought periods are also increasing in our latitudes due to climate change. Since drought damage is irreversible, it may be necessary to water the fruit tree in the summer months.
When and how should an apple tree be watered correctly?
To prevent the apple tree from dropping fruit during warm periods, you should water whenever the top 15 centimeters of soil feel dry. Distribute around thirty liters of water per square meter of area around the edge of the tree disk.
How do I water a newly planted apple tree?
Provide the treeregularly with at least 20 liters of water until it grows,which you gradually distribute in the area of the roots.
That's why it's ideal if you create a watering edge directly when planting. This prevents the water from simply flowing away unused to the side.
How much water does an apple tree need?
Apple trees arevery thirsty trees,that have ahigh water requirement. However, the disadvantage is that they are among the shallow-rooted species that cannot get moisture from the deep layers of the earth.
During longer dry periods, the fruit trees must be watered regularly. An apple tree uses around 30 liters of water every day, an older and large one even up to 50 liters.
When and how do I water an apple?
It is important that themoisture can seep into the entire root area. If you simply pour the required amount of water onto the ground, everything will flow away and the apple tree will hardly have any of the precious water.
This procedure has proven to be effective when watering trees:
- Drill 15 holes with a diameter of three millimeters in two spit buckets.
- Place the bucket over the roots and fill them with the garden hose.
- The water slowly runs out of the buckets and seeps directly into the root area.
Tip
Mulching keeps the water in the soil
Mulching protects the soil very effectively from drying out. For apple trees you can use wood chips, straw or thinly spread grass clippings. This ensures significantly better soil moisture and saves you from having to water frequently and at short intervals. Even during long dry periods, it is sufficient to water the fruit tree carefully once or twice a week.
