Watering newly planted Green Giant Arborvitae tree

Question

I live in Missouri and we are having a very dry and very hot summer. I planted 29 5-gallon sized trees about a month and a half ago. I have been watering, soaking the ground around the trees with a hose, then have a 5-gallon drip bucket that I also fill with water but wonder if I am watering properly and placing the bucket at the right place. All trees have grown about 6 inches taller but not in diameter as much on some. Should I be watering more the rootball or the ends of branches (dripline) at this point? How much and where should I be directing the water?

Answer 1

The rule of thumb is that the roots of the plant will spread out as far as the canopy does. When watering, it is best to make sure you water out to the outer edge of the root system.

If you are laying a drip line though, I would do in between the trunk and the outer edge.

If you are seeing active growth with no browning, you are providing enough water.