In the summer, its clear that we need to water our fruit trees. While we humans sweat in the heat, fruit trees lose water through their leaf pores, called stomata. Without extra water in hot, dry weather, trees become dehydrated, which is bad for their health and the quality of the harvest.
But the real question is when you should stop watering fruit trees in the fall. Since it’s cooler, the tree won’t lose as much water through transpiration. Such is the way plants lose water to the air, mostly through the stomata on their leaves.
I talked to Kevin Folta, Professor of Horticulture at the University of Florida, to learn more about why it’s important to water fruit trees in the fall.
Apple trees are a staple of many home orchards. But keeping these productive trees hydrated through the hot, dry summer months can be challenging. Knowing how often to water apple trees in summer is key to supporting healthy growth and a bountiful fall harvest.
In this guide we’ll explore apple tree water needs during summer and efficient irrigation techniques to keep your trees thriving when the temperatures climb.
Apple Tree Summer Water Requirements
Apple trees are remarkably resilient and can withstand short dry spells without irrigation once established. However, inadequate summer watering can impact fruit production and overall tree vigor
Here are some key factors affecting apple tree water needs in summer:
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High evapotranspiration rates from leaves and fruit lead to increased water demand. Apple trees can lose over 50 gallons per day through transpiration.
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Fruit swelling coincides with the hottest summer months, making irrigation crucial for proper fruit development.
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Feeder root growth happens during summer to support fruiting. Adequate moisture is vital for new root establishment.
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Drought stress makes trees vulnerable to pests and diseases that thrive in parched conditions.
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Dwarf rootstocks used for high-density orchards have less extensive root systems and require timely irrigation.
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Young trees up to 3 years old need more frequent watering than mature trees to develop strong root systems.
How Often to Water Mature Apple Trees
For established standard-size apple trees, irrigate when soil dries out to a depth of 10-12 inches. This usually equates to:
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1 inch of water per week during normal summer heat
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2 inches of water per week during extreme heat waves or drought
Split this amount into 2-3 deep soakings rather than daily light sprinklings. Deep watering encourages deeper rooting for greater drought resilience.
Watering Frequency for Dwarf Apple Trees
More frequent irrigation is needed for container-grown and dwarf apple trees. Their constrained root zones are quicker to dry out.
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Water container trees every 2-3 days in summer depending on heat and soil permeability.
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Dwarf trees in the ground need 1-2 thorough weekly waterings. err on the higher frequency in extreme heat.
Apply water slowly, giving it time to penetrate the soil. Avoid runoff. Dwarf trees in sandy or gravelly soil may need more water than those in loam or clay.
Watering Guidelines for Young Apple Trees
The first 3 years after planting are a critical establishment phase for apple trees. Frequent irrigation is key while feeder roots develop and trees harden off.
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Water newly planted trees every 4-7 days during the first summer, providing 5-10 gallons per tree.
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Second year trees need watering every 7-10 days with 10-15 gallons per tree.
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Third year trees can be transitioned to mature tree watering habits with reduced frequency.
Mulch well around young trees to retain moisture. Avoid overwatering, which promotes weak growth. If leaves start to wilt, it’s time to irrigate.
How to Water Apple Trees
Proper watering technique is just as important as frequency. Here are some tips:
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Water at the dripline area where feeder roots are concentrated.
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Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to slowly deliver water.
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Water early in the day to reduce evaporation loss.
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Avoid sprinklers that wet foliage and encourage disease.
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Monitor soil moisture with probes before and after irrigating to gauge effectiveness.
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Adjust watering needs based on rainfall, temperature, and soil type.
Ensuring water penetrates deep into the root zone encourages trees to develop a robust, extensive root system for tapping water reserves. This builds drought hardiness.
Signs of Underwatering
Watch for these clues that your apple trees need more summer irrigation:
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Wilting or curling leaves
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Early fall leaf drop
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Smaller than normal fruit size
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Dieback of young branches
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Lackluster fall foliage
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Poor flowering and reduced fruit set the following year
Severe drought stress makes trees more prone to pests and diseases. Prevent problems with attentive watering when rainfall is lacking.
Consequences of Overwatering
While apple trees crave sufficient summer irrigation, it is possible to overdo it. Watch for these repercussions:
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Mushrooms or fungi growing at base of trunk
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Discolored, dropping leaves
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Sparse, yellowing foliage
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Rotting roots or crown tissue
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Increased susceptibility to root rot diseases
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Stunted growth and lack of vigor
Proper soil drainage and moderated watering prevents damaging, overly wet conditions. Let the top few inches dry between waterings.
Tending Your Orchard Through Summer
Caring for apple trees extends beyond just irrigation. Here are some other tips for promoting tree health and fruit production during summer:
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Apply organic mulch around trees to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
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Use tree guards to protect trunks from sun scalding.
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Fertilize lightly if needed to support fruit development.
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Monitor for common summer pests like coddling moth, aphids, and apple maggot.
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Prune selectively to improve sunlight exposure and airflow.
A comprehensive summer care regimen sets up your apple trees for success. Don’t let inadequate water undermine your efforts.
Enjoy the Fruits of Proper Watering
Adequate irrigation during the hot summer months is indispensable for apple harvest satisfaction. By understanding apple tree water requirements and implementing efficient watering technique, you can keep your orchard productive through seasonal heat and drought. The reward will be thriving, robust trees and baskets of delicious apples come autumn.
Over-watering fruit trees can also be a problem
Fruit tree roots need both water and air, Kevin says. Soil is a matrix, which means that there are little gaps between the soil particles.
He says, “Those little gaps in the soil hold water, oxygen, and many other things that plants want and need.”
What will happen if we water too much and the ground stays wet all the time? Those tree roots won’t be happy, and they could get root rot. So the best thing to do is to give your tree a lot of water, let the roots dry out completely, and then give it more water.
“Water is both good and bad, and most plants like to live in a Goldilocks zone.” Some plants do better with slightly more wet soil, but in general, it’s best to let it dry out between waterings. Along with making the plant’s defenses stronger against pathogens stronger, it also tells the roots to keep growing and look for more water, he says.
Watering newly planted bare root trees
Irrigation will also differ depending on the tree’s age.
For example, bare-root trees that have just been planted need to be watered often in the weeks and months after planting to help them get established. Your goal will be to ensure that the roots get watered regularly. That’s because fruit tree nurseries dig these trees out of the ground to send them to customers. Inevitably, the delicate root hairs, also known as feeder roots, are damaged in the process.
Because of this, it is our job as growers to make sure those feeder roots can grow and spread out. That way, the roots will be able to get food from the soil, which will feed the tree and hold it down. And to do both of those things, those roots need lots of moisture.
How Often to Water Apple Tree? Expert Advice for Juicier Fruits.
FAQ
Can you overwater an apple tree?
How often should you water apple trees in summer?
Should I water my fruit trees every day?
Do apple trees need a lot of water?
Its important to note that apple trees need more water during the summer months, when the weather is dry. This is because the trees are actively growing and producing fruit, and they need water to keep up with this growth. During times of drought, its also important to water the tree to ensure it stays healthy.
How often should apple trees be watered?
Generally, young trees should be watered every 5-7 days during the growing season, while mature trees should be watered every 10-14 days. However, during dry or hot weather, apple trees should be watered more frequently to ensure they receive enough moisture. Why Is Watering Necessary? Watering apple trees is vital for their health and growth.
Should I water my apple tree if it’s hot or dry?
If the weather is unusually hot or dry, you may need to increase watering for that period of time. Waterlogged roots are always worse than dry roots, so always err on the side of caution when watering apple trees. Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Do apple trees need to be watered during drought?
When it comes to watering apple trees during times of drought, it is important to keep the soil moist at all times. This means that you should be checking the soil moisture levels regularly and if it is too dry, you should be providing the tree with extra water.
How long does it take to water an apple tree?
Then run the soaker hose for 15 minutes to deliver 1 inch of water to mature plants, or for 30 minutes to supply 2 inches of water to a young apple tree. Once it develops fruit, your tree is no longer considered young, so you can reduce watering frequency.
How often should you water a fruit tree?
Watering may also depend on the soil they’re planted in. For example, a pear tree planted in regular soil needs to be watered twice a week, but if it’s planted in clay, it only needs it once a week. When planting and maintaining fruit trees, it’s best to stick to watering fruit trees according to the instructions for your specific fruit.