Expert Tree Watering Tips
Did you know that a tree needs water even after it's rained? Georgie Logan, our Senior Urban Forest Manager, explains when urban trees are in need of water, and how to water them.
What are the signs of an underwatered tree?
Here are some key visual indicators that a tree needs watering:
- Brown/crispy or wilting leaves
- Leaves are losing their normal green colour, turning pale/yellow
- Crown dieback - dead branches at the top of the canopy
- Sparse canopy with very few leaves
- Dry, cracked soil around the base of trees
Why do young trees need watering the most?
Freshly planted young trees have small root systems relative to their canopy size. Since water is often stored quite deep in the soil, plants must send their roots just as deep to access this water. A newly planted tree can't do this yet, so we provide water to help it along.
Young trees also don't have much energy reserves to fall back on. Similar to camels in deserts that rely on fat reserves, trees store up energy in their roots, trunk, and branches - but it takes time to build those reserves, which is why regular watering early on is so important.
While you're here...
We've planted over 445,000 trees in London alone, and this year we're personally watering over 1,000 new trees to add towards the city's flourishing urban forest. But this summer has been exceptionally dry and it's taking a toll on young trees. We need your support.
Help us Beat the Heat
How much water does a young tree need?
Industry recommendations are to water trees 'to field capacity', which essentially means water until the soil is saturated and is no longer draining away (but don't leave a big puddle!) We've found 50 litres a week to be a good amount for a newly planted tree.
Regular watering is almost more important than volume, so ten litres a day would be more beneficial than 50 litres in one go.
Why water even if it's been raining?
Often when it's been dry and hot, rain is not able to penetrate into the soil very well. Water will run off the hard soil and go down drains, or evaporate on hot, concrete surfaces. This is why watering devices such as tree bags and pipes are so helpful. Tree bags release water slowly, giving the soil time to absorb the water, and pipes penetrate deep into the more absorbent soil below.
Support your local new trees
If you've got new trees on your street, take part in our #WateringWednesday initiative by giving them a drink every Wednesday during the summer months. Your local council will be watering the trees, but we can all do our part by providing additional water, ensuring these baby trees will grow to keep your street cool for many decades to come.
Looking to learn more and stay connected with your favourite urban tree charity? Sign up to Tree Times, and get a monthly dose of urban nature straight to your inbox.
Additional reading
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Become A Tree Watering Champion
Young and newly planted trees need regular watering in the summer months to survive during their first few years. Will you help us water trees local to you?
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Why it’s so important to water young urban trees
16 June 2023
Find out how Trees for Cities is keeping our newly planted trees alive during the summer months through watering - and how you can help out too!
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New Tree, Woodland and Nature resources
24 July 2020
Check out our brand new resource pack, created in partnership with Nature Nurture CIC and Sensory Trust as part of the Growing among Trees Project.
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Planting a fruit tree
A visual guide to planting a small fruit tree on your school grounds.
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Why do we plant trees in winter?
30 October 2018
Planting trees isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Here we answer your most frequently asked questions.
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