For a tree to survive a dry period, it needs about 2
gallons
of water per day for every
inch of trunk diameter (measured at 4.5 feet above the
ground).For example, a 10-inch diameter tree would need 20 gallons
of water per day. Distribute
this amount of water under the crown of the tree. Provide
drainage with the watering, as
trees don’t survive long in stagnant soils.Apply survival-level water every three days when it hasn’t
rained to recharge the soil
water. Don’t water daily, especially on heavy soils. Some
excessively well-drained soils
may need more frequent watering.Apply water in the evening to minimize evaporation
loss.For more information on trees, water and drought, see the
University of Georgia School
of Forest Resources Drought Information Site at www.forestry.uga.edu/efr and the UGA
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences drought
site at www.griffin
.
peachnet.edu/caes/drought/.
