This will increase the strength and vigor of the tree.
Watering fruit trees during drought.
But during extended periods of drought all trees benefit from supplemental watering.
Slow deep watering every five to seven days during drought is ideal for mature trees in the midwest or northeast and four to six days during drought for mature trees in areas with 95 to 105 degree temperatures fahrenheit.
Keep the mulch at least 6 inches from the trunk.
Drought stress causes wilting yellowing of the leaves advanced leaf fall and premature fruit ripening or fruit drop.
Spread the mulch all around the tree.
At least once a week watering but preferably 2 3 times a week if you get no rainfall.
Generally in drought mature trees can survive with a monthly watering from april through october.
The best time to water is typically in the morning.
If mulch is next to the tree the bark could rot.
Be sure to water the entire root zone beneath the tree canopy.
All size trees should be watered especially during drought conditions because normal rainfall is non existent.
If you can spare the water water large trees twice a month.
It is far more efficient than applying a lot of water at once which ends up as run off.
Often drought stress is associated with heat stress during the hot summer months.
The best means of applying this water for landscape trees is slowly with a soaker hose placed near the tree.
Mulching helps the tree retain moisture.
Watering slowly allows the soil to capture more water molecules as it percolates.
A small windbreak tree one planted a year or two ago still needs about 2 or 3 gallons of water a week.
The trees in your yard need you.
Water trees during a drought.
In drought deeply water young trees with 5 15 gallons of water weekly from april through october.
A 2 inch diameter tree measured at 6 inches above the ground should receive about 20 gallons of water a week during drought periods.
Add 3 4 inches of mulch.
The less you water your fruit tree the deeper and wider the roots will grow in search of moisture.
During times of drought the tables are turned.
According to skip richter county agent with the texas agrilife extension service in houston during periods of drought the goal is to provide just enough supplemental irrigation to maximize growth on young trees and to keep older established trees healthy.
All trees should also receive adequate water during the winter months too but water can be less frequent.
The trick is to water deeply ideally using a soaker hose to help the water reach a depth of 8 12 inches.
When water demand of a fruit tree is higher than supply drought stress occurs.