Most homeowners are slowly killing their trees with these watering mistakes – and don’t even realize it

Every year, countless homeowners watch their beloved trees struggle, turn brown, or even die – often believing they’re providing excellent care. The harsh reality is that the most common mistake homeowners make when growing trees is not the lack of watering but using the wrong method. From Suffolk County to across the nation, well-meaning property owners are inadvertently damaging their trees through improper watering techniques that seem logical but are actually harmful.

The Seven Deadly Sins of Tree Watering

If you’re making these seven tree watering mistakes, you may be doing more harm than good. Understanding these common errors can mean the difference between thriving trees and costly removals.

Mistake #1: Watering Too Frequently and Shallowly

A common mistake is to apply frequent shallow waterings that don’t soak deeply into the soil. Trees do better with less frequent but deeper soakings — a heavy soaking once a week is much better than a shallow watering every few days. That’s because shallow waterings encourage tree roots to remain near the soil surface where they’re prone to drying out.

Mistake #2: Watering the Wrong Location

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is watering too close to the trunk. To promote healthy lateral root growth, it’s best to water at the dripline—the outer edge of the tree’s canopy where the feeder roots absorb moisture most effectively. Don’t water the tree’s trunk — doing so encourages rot.

Mistake #3: Relying on Lawn Sprinklers

The water output from your lawn sprinkler probably isn’t enough to water your tree to the proper depth. Plus, a lot of that water is lost to evaporation. The grass quickly slurps up the sprinkler’s water, leaving your tree thirsty. Plus, trees prefer to be watered deeply.

Mistake #4: Watering at the Wrong Time

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. are the hottest parts of the day. If you water within that time period, you’ll lose a lot of water due to, say it with us now: evaporation. The best time to water your trees and conserve water would be outside of that window.

Mistake #5: Overwatering

If you water too much, your tree could become dependent on irrigation instead of Mother Nature’s usual amount. Watering too much could also lead to more canopy growth than the soil, climate, and tree species can support under normal conditions. Soil saturated with water can suffocate and drown a tree since the oxygen-rich air pockets are flooded. Root rot, fungus or too much water can kill a tree’s roots and slowly starve the rest of the tree.

Understanding Proper Watering Techniques

How Much Water Do Trees Actually Need?

A standard recommendation is to give the tree one to one and a half gallons of water for every inch of the trunk’s diameter. For newly planted trees, apply 1-1.5 gallons per inch of stem caliper at each watering.

Frequency Matters More Than You Think

Arborists usually recommend you water trees daily during the first two weeks they are in the soil. After the first two weeks, you can decrease watering to a few times a week, or about every other day. Maintain that schedule for the first three months of the tree’s life in your soil. After 12 weeks, and until the tree is established, you can water weekly.

The Deep Watering Solution

Deep watering isn’t just about keeping trees hydrated—it’s about building a strong, resilient root system that can withstand drought, disease, and changing environmental conditions. When water penetrates deep into the soil, roots grow downward in search of moisture and nutrients, creating a stable foundation that supports the tree’s overall health.

How to Check If You’re Doing It Right

Stick a long screwdriver into the soil below your tree. If that’s hard to do, your tree needs more water. For a more precise check, below your tree, dig 6-8 inches deep and grab a handful of soil. Your soil should be cool and moist. If it’s sopping wet, you’re overwatering. If your soil isn’t drenched or sandy, roll into a ball. If it crumbles, your tree needs more water.

Professional Help Makes the Difference

When it comes to ensuring your trees receive proper care, working with certified professionals can save you from costly mistakes. Companies like Jones Tree & Plant Care in Suffolk County understand that specific programs based on the needs of each individual customer and property. A total tree and plant care approach will improve growth, condition and appearance of your property, all while using environmentally sensitive, affordable treatments.

Professional tree care services bring the expertise needed to assess your specific soil conditions, tree species, and environmental factors. As a licensed arborist, Jones is committed to offering scientifically based landscape management and delivering quality services. Jones Tree and Plant Care will inspect your landscape, diagnose any problems, and make recommendations based on knowledge and expertise gained through over 10 years of experience in the industry. As a certified arborist, Jones receives continuous education and instruction, and is always up to date on the latest trends and techniques.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to watering trees, the right amount can mean the difference between a thriving, healthy specimen and one that withers and dies. Watering trees is all about balance. You don’t want to deny the tree the moisture it needs, but you also want to avoid drowning it.

By avoiding these common watering mistakes and implementing proper techniques, you can ensure your trees not only survive but thrive for decades to come. Remember that deep and infrequent watering is recommended because it encourages a deep root system and makes plants more tolerant of droughts. Frequent, light watering encourages shallow root growth and less tolerance for dry conditions.

Don’t let improper watering turn your beautiful landscape investment into an expensive mistake. Take the time to water correctly, and your trees will reward you with years of beauty, shade, and increased property value.