[Arid_gardener] Re: Water Needs, New Chinese Elm

[Olin Miller]

Watering duration and frequency depends on the size and age of the tree, the
water holding capacity of the soil, and the placement and rating of the
emitters.  With drip emitters it is more likely that you are not watering
enough.

Emitters should be placed around the edge of the trees' canopies and spaced
close enough to provide uniform coverage.  The only way to determine the
required amount is to test the dampness of the soil.   After irrigating,
test the depth of water penetration using a slim steel rod.  It should
penetrate to about 2 feet for your young trees. Do not irrigate again until
the soil is nearly dry.  During the hot summer days this could be once or
twice per week - less frequently if an organic mulch is applied around the
base of the trees.

Olin Miller, Master Gardener Volunteer
U of A Cooperative Extension, Maricopa County AZ
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 ----- Original Message ----- From: <mchampoux at cox.net>
Sent: Friday, June 22, 2007 5:50 PM
> teri
> 85243
> mchampoux at cox.net
> We live in Queen Creek.  We planted three chinese evergreen elms in April,
> and they don't seem to be thriving.  I have been watering them for one
> hour every three days.  Someone once told me that if the leaves on a tree
> or plant turn yellow before they turn brown, that means they are
> overwatered.  Can you please tell me what to look for to know if I am
> under- or over-watering the trees?  How often/long should I water?  (p.s.
> we ran dripper lines to the tres).