Question
How many gallons per hour are needed for mature fruit trees? Also how many times a week and how long each time should trees be watered?
Answer(s)
The majority of fruit tree roots are in the top 2-3 feet of soil. How much water and how often depends on your soil texture. Sandy soilsdon't hold as much water as loam and clay soils. Compared to turf, or a vegetable garden, trees prefer less frequent, deep waterings.
The thing to remember is that during the heat of the summer, fruit trees will transpire as much as two inches of water a week. So if your tree occupies an area about 20 feet by 20 feet (for example) that would be approximately 67 cubic feet (20' x 20' x 2") or 500 gallons (7.5 gallons
per cubic foot). The rate at which the water can be applied (gallons per minute) will also depend on the soil type. Heavier soils are slower to absorb water, so if you apply it too fast, it will just run off the surface.
For more details on irrigating fruit trees, there are several fact
sheets now available on the USU extension website.
Extension.usu.edu/publications
Go to the "Horticulture" heading and click on the "Fruit" link.
Otherwise click on one of the links below.
http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/Horticulture_Fruit_2008-01pr.pdf
http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/Horticulture_Fruit_2008-03pr.pdf
http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/Horticulture_Fruit_2008-02pr.pdf
Other Questions In This Topic
- Do you have a list of good varieties of produce producing plants to grow in this area? I am looking to plant fruit trees this fall and start a garden next year.
- We would like to plant a pasture (about 2 acres). We would like one that creates sod, like a lawn, rather than a bunch grass. It will be used to hold a hillside and eventually to graze a few animals. We could cut it for grass hay also. What would be the best varieties of seed to use for a pasture like this?
- When is it too late to prune back the tops of peach trees that have gotten too high?
- We have Ray wood ash trees around our home and last year they were topped by hormworms. What do you suggest?
- Can an olive tree survive in Utah?
- What is the cost for a soil test?
- How do I keep lady bugs out of my house? Also, how do I keep out Asian Beetles?
- I have a large mature cherry tree that over the past 3 weeks has had its leaves turn from green to yellow and now die off (July). I have not changed any watering patterns. The trunk "crotch" has debris, and small crawly wormy insects. How can I treat? Is it too late? It's a lovely tree, provides great shade and privacy.