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Watering Newly Planted Trees and Shrubs <br />University of MN Extension <br />Newly planted trees and shrubs need regular and consistent watering until root systems <br />establish. Root systems of bare root, containerized, and balled and burlapped trees and shrubs <br />have been severely reduced or restricted by nursery management practices. After planting, root <br />systems will grow and establish until they are much wider than the above ground portion of the <br />plant. During this establishment time, newly planted trees and shrubs need consistent watering <br />to prevent water stress. <br />When to water <br />Newly planted trees or shrubs require more frequent watering than established trees and shrubs. <br />They should be watered at planting time followed by watering at the following intervals: <br />Table 1. Watering schedule for newly planted trees and shrubs <br />Weeks after planting: Watering frequency: <br />1-2 <br />Daily <br />3-12 Every 2-3 days <br />Until established* <br />Weekly <br />* See Table 2 for tree establishment time. Shrubs establish in 1-2 years. <br />How long does it take for tree and shrub roots to establish? <br />Newly planted shrubs are considered established when their root spread equals the spread of <br />the above -ground canopy. In Minnesota, this will take 1-2 years. <br />Establishment times for trees increases with tree size. Trunk caliper at planting time can be <br />used to determine the time it takes for roots to establish (Table 2). <br />Table 2. Establishment time and watering <br />volume for newly planted trees. <br />Caliper Root Water <br />(inches) establishment applied <br />time for trees during each <br />(years) irrigation <br />(gallons) <br />1 <br />1.5 <br />1-1.5 <br />