In the summer, its clear that we need to water our fruit trees. While we humans sweat in the heat, fruit trees lose water through their leaf pores, called stomata. Without additional moisture during the hot, dry weather, trees become dehydrated – and that affects tree health and harvest quality.
But the question is: When do you need to stop watering fruit trees in the fall? Given the cooler temperatures, the tree wont be losing as much water through transpiration. That is the process by which plants lose water to the atmosphere, primarily through the stomata on their leaves.
To learn more about the science around watering fruit trees in the fall, I spoke to Kevin Folta, Professor of Horticulture at the University of Florida.
Apple trees need sufficient watering during summer to support healthy growth and fruit production But overwatering can be just as detrimental. Getting the balance right is key to keeping your trees thriving through the hot summer months.
How Much Water Do Apple Trees Need in Summer?
The water needs of apple trees increase significantly in summer. Hot temperatures cause moisture to evaporate more rapidly from the soil. Apple trees also transpire more water from their leaves during photosynthesis when sunlight levels are high.
According to experts, a mature apple tree requires around 30-50 gallons of water per week in peak summer Younger trees need less but still appreciate deep watering 1-2 times a week when rainfall is lacking
Exactly how much water your trees need depends on:
- Age of the tree
- Type of rootstock
- Soil type
- Climate and weather patterns
Sandy soils retain less moisture and will need more frequent watering. While trees grafted onto dwarfing rootstocks like M9 have shallower roots and need a little more help through summer dry spells.
Signs Your Apple Trees Need Watering
It’s important to monitor your trees for signals they need a drink. Subtle clues include:
- Lackluster or curling leaves
- Early fruit drop
- Smaller than normal apples
Severe water stress can cause leaves to turn yellow or brown and drop prematurely. Branches may also die back. Take note of these warning signs and increase watering before damage occurs.
Tips for Watering Apple Trees in Summer
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Water deeply – Shallow watering encourages surface roots.Aim for a good soaking to saturate the root zone.
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Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation – These methods deliver water slowly, allowing better penetration into the soil.
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Mulch around the tree – Organic mulch helps lock in moisture and reduces evaporation.
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Check soil moisture – Use your finger to test the soil before and after irrigating to learn how quickly it dries out.
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Water early morning – Avoid watering in the heat of the day, when evaporation rates are highest.
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Reduce fertilizing – Fertilizing stimulates growth that requires more water. Cut back in mid-summer.
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Adjust as needed – Increase water if the weather turns hot and dry. Reduce if the season is cool and wet.
When to Water Young Apple Trees
Young apple trees up to 3 years old have less extensive root systems and require more frequent irrigation:
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First year – Water 1-2 times per week, keeping soil moist but not saturated.
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Second year – Water 1-2 times per week depending on rainfall and temperature.
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Third year – Transition to weekly watering unless conditions are very hot and dry.
Pay close attention to young trees. Their shallow roots make them more prone to drought stress. But take care not to overwater, as they are also vulnerable to root rot.
Watering Mature Apple Trees
In most climates, mature apple trees can be watered deeply every 7-14 days during summer:
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Standard rootstock – Needs less frequent irrigation, about every 2-3 weeks.
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Semi-dwarf rootstock – Water 1 time per week.
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Dwarf rootstock – Water at least 1 time per week, maybe 2 times during heat waves.
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Extreme dwarf rootstock – Requires the most attentive watering, up to 2-3 times per week.
Adjust routine based on weather, aiming to apply 30-50 gallons per mature tree weekly. Reduce frequency if you experience a cool, wet summer.
Caring for Apple Trees in Dry Climates
In arid regions with hot, dry summers, apple trees need very consistent irrigation to produce well. Consider:
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Choosing drought-tolerant rootstocks like Bud 9 or Geneva 11
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Installing drip irrigation on a timer
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Using mulch and shade cloth to reduce evaporation
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Monitoring soil moisture frequently, water as needed
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Pruning judiciously to reduce water demand
With attentive care, even desert gardeners can grow apple trees. But they require even more careful water management.
Avoid Overwatering Apple Trees
While apple trees need sufficient summer irrigation, take care not to overdo it. Too much water can lead to:
- Root rot
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Poor growth and fruiting
- Trunk splitting
Allow the soil to partially dry out between waterings. And ensure the site has good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
By understanding the seasonal irrigation needs of apple trees and watering judiciously, you can keep your trees healthy and bountifully productive through the hot summer months. Pay close attention and adjust your routine as needed. With attentive care, you will be rewarded with a bountiful harvest.
Over-watering fruit trees can also be a problem
While fruit tree roots need water, they also need air! Kevin explains that soil is a matrix that has little spaces in between the soil particles.
“Those little spaces between soil hold water and they hold oxygen and lots of other goodies that plants want and need,” he says.
But what happens if we water too much and the soil is constantly wet? Well, then those tree roots will not be happy and they will be vulnerable to root rot. So the best strategy is to water your tree deeply, and then allow the roots to dry out fully before watering again.
“Water is a blessing and a curse, and most plants have a Goldilocks zone that they like to live in. Some can tolerate a little more moist soils, but in general, keeping it where it dries out between waterings is not a bad idea. It really does help facilitate the plants defences against pathogens, but also encourages the roots to go and continue to grow and search for more water,” he explains.Grow Fruit Trees That ThriveSign up for our newsletter and get this
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Why fruit trees need water in the fall
In order to understand when to stop watering fruit trees in the fall, we need to know why fruit trees need to be well hydrated as they approach winter dormancy. Here are just a few quick points:
- If trees cells freeze during the winter, the cell walls can break, causing damage to the tree. Well-hydrated plant cells resist freezing better.
- Trees absorb soil nutrients in liquid form. If the soil is dry, trees can become malnourished. In the fall, trees are building up nutrient reserves for winter storage in the roots. They will use those nutrients during dormancy and to fuel growth in the spring.
- Finally, a well-hydrated tree is better able to fend off pests and diseases, it will be less likely to suffer winter desiccation, where trees lose more water than they can absorb from frozen ground.
How much water do fruit trees need? And when to stop watering?
How Often to Water Apple Tree? Expert Advice for Juicier Fruits.
FAQ
Can you overwater an apple tree?
You can’t really over water a fruit tree as far as the amount of water you provide it, you just have to make sure the soil is relatively dry before your next watering to ensure the roots are able to breathe and that you don’t develop root rot.
How often should I water an apple tree in summer?
It’s important to note that, even if you’re in the midst of a “brown-lawn drought”, you shouldn’t water too much. Once every 7- to 10-days (or even once every two weeks) is plenty. Worse than dry, thirsty roots are waterlogged, drowning roots.
Should I water my fruit trees every day?
No, you should not water fruit trees every day, especially mature ones. Deep and infrequent watering is generally better than frequent, shallow watering.
How do I know if my apple tree is getting enough water?
If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If your apple tree is thirsty, the leaves will start to droop and curl, and the edges may turn brown.Jun 28, 2024