Live oak trees are among the most favorite trees to use for landscaping. The tree's long branches and lush green foliage adds a dramatic element to any yard. Although these trees are tolerant to a wide variety of soil types, it is important to plant them in partial shade and full sunlight. Be sure when planting this tree to pick an area that gives its root system enough room to grow. In addition, they need to have moist, well-drained soil in order to thrive. Find out how you can water your live oak tree to keep it healthy. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Check the moisture of your soil. Push a PVC pole into the planting area. If the pole only goes down a few inches, then the soil does not have enough moisture. Use the soil method for testing the soil around an existing oak tree.
2. Grab a handful of soil and squeeze. Soil that easily breaks apart has too little moisture, while soil that produces droplets of water is water-logged. Adequate soil should be malleable in the hand and break off in clumps when dropped.
3. Add water to a newly planted oak tree using a soaker ball. Oak trees need a slow and steady amount of water during the first year of planting. Attach the soaker ball to a garden hose or irrigation system.
4. Adopt a watering schedule. Give your oak tree an hour of slow trickle every other day during the first week it is planted.
5. Water your oak tree three times a week for an hour during the second, third and fourth weeks. Give your oak tree water for an hour twice a week from weeks four to 12. At week 12, give your oak tree an hour of water once a week for a year. Continue to check your soil during the year, and make any modifications. Oak trees generally need one inch of water a week; therefore, rain can determine how often you water.
6. Place mulch around your oak tree to lock in moisture. Likewise, you can gather oak leaves for a natural mulch around the tree.
Tags: your tree, during first, Give your tree, mulch around, soaker ball, tree hour