B.3.6.1.7 Tree And Shrub Watering Guide

If your tree or shrub is in a lawn area and it looks healthy, it is probably getting plenty of water when you sprinkle the grass.  If it is not in a lawn area or does not look healthy, use the following information to help you when watering:

 

Warm/Hot Weather

Moderate Weather

Cool/Cold Weather

Newly Planted Tree or Shrub (within the last 12 months)

Once every 2 to 3 days

Once every 5 to 7 days

Once every 20-30 days, in the morning on warm sunny days only

Established Tree or Shrub

Once every 7 to 10 days

Once every 15 to 20 days

Once every 30 days

Amount of water applied

Tree 20-30 gallons
Shrub 15-20 gallons

Tree 15-20 gallons
Shrub 10-15 gallons

Tree 15-20 gallons
Shrub 10-15 gallons

Additional Tips 

  • Water for trees and shrubs should be applied at a slower rate and allowed to soak in deeper than water for grass. 

  • Over-watering is just as bad, if not worse, for the plant as under-watering. 

  • Bear in mind that different types of soils absorb and hold water at different rates.  Clay soils (found here at Ft. Carson) absorb water more slowly but hold it much longer than do loamy or sandy soils.  Consequently, water should be applied at a slower rate and less often in clay soils than other types.

 
 

Appendix b