We have a new Katsura and a new Magnolia Virginiana. Both are in the 10-12' range. Someone suggested getting those tree bags for them but I can't help but think that will overwater them, or not encourage good root growth. How do you water your new trees? Is there a way you determine when to water the tree? Like feel inside the ground? Thank you.
A 2-3'' fir/hemlock bark mulch spread just beyond the dripline and kept a few inches from the trunk can be quite helpful to retain moisture.
This time of year in the Pacific Northwest there shouldn't be a need to water anything planted outside. The soil will be wet from the normally abundant rainfall, and transpiration from plants approaching dormancy has practically stopped. So the ground will stay damp even if it doesn't rain for a week or two.
If the soil is damp, which is very likely, there should be no need to water, unless the containers were completely dry.
Ok, good to know. I think those tree bags would over water then. The ground is pretty damp these days, even tho we haven't had a whole lot of rain.
