Garden Watering Systems

Large Trees

Substantial trees, by and large, don't need to be watered, except in severe drought conditions. With normal rainfall they do perfectly well on their own due to their large tap roots and peripheral root systems which take up moisture from deep down in the soil.

A large tree will remove large quantities of water from the soil and transfer it to the atmosphere by transpiration through the leaves.

A problem you may encounter is that the ground around a large tree is constantly dry and short of nutrients and it is very difficult to grow other plants in that space.

You could consider watering all around the tree with a water ring made using Moss Slo-Flo hose.

The water will seep out into the top layer of the soil and will keep small plants alive. To maximise water retention in the soil, cover it generously with compost, mulch and as much organic materials as you can find. As well as acting as an insulating layer, this material will provide fibre and organisms to recycle nutients into the soil.

With regular watering and replenishment of organic materials you will be able to maintain a vibrant garden bed in the lee of a large tree.