Georgia regularly experiences drought, and experts warn that many trees will die if they don't regularly receive water. Most people do not think about watering big trees on their property, but the cost of not doing so may encourage many to install rain barrels for water harvesting. Some costs of mature tree loss are...

But What About Watering Restrictions?

If you live in a community with a limited watering schedule, you should consider using recycled water for your trees. Recycled water may be collected in rain barrels, in buckets while you shower or heat up bath water, from your outdoor A/C condensation pipe, from dehumidifiers, from leftover bags of ice after a party, or in the sink while you are washing your dishes. Don't worry, trees don't mind a little soap (thought bio-degradable soap is best)! Be creative, and think about all of the water you use each day that might be re-used for trees.

When to Water? Late Evening and Early Morning
The best time to water trees is in the late evening and early morning. Over 50% of water can be lost to evaporation when watering during mid-day. Trees uptake water during the night when it is cool, and this is also when the soil is most absorbent. Most counties that do allow outdoor watering limit watering between 12:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. To find more info on water restrictions go to UGA's College of Argricultural & Environmental Science.

How Often? Every week during the growing season
Do not water every night! Trees benefit more from watering deeply once a week. Check to make sure the soil is dry before you water again.

How Much? Thoroughly
Water slowly but generously, so that water thoroughly penetrates the soil to about 1-foot deep (this is where the trees absorbing roots are located). Watering for short periods of time only encourages shallow rooting which can lead to more drought damage.

Where? Under the Tree
Although tree roots extend far beyond the drip-line (the ground area beneath the furthermost edge of the tree branches), the most efficient watering method involves concentrating the water from the drip line to within three feet of the base. See photo above.

What Else? Use Mulch
Mulch slows water loss from the soil due to evaporation and helps to prevent water run-off. Apply only three to four inches of organic mulch under the plant canopy or as far out as you can go (roots extend far beyond the drip line). Using more than three to four inches in depth will impede water and air flow. Be sure not to pile mulch around the tree trunk. Your yard will look great, and your trees will thank you!

Additional drought education resources:

http://www.conservewatergeorgia.net/index.html
http://wateruseitwisely.com/100-ways-to-conserve/index.php
http://pubs.caes.uga.edu/caespubs/pubcd/B1073.htm
http://www.noahsrainbarrel.com/
http://www.bracsystems.com/home.html