Posted by Leanne on February 21, 2004

Q: We have many mature pine trees (20-50 years)in our backyard. The last two years we have had below average rainfall. If we have a wet spring from all the snow melting, should we attempt at watering these trees this summer? Would this help the trees or would our hose not provide enough water for such mature trees?

A: If you have a wet spring this year, I don't see why you're concerned about watering your trees this summer unless it is especially dry. Keep in mind that pines are well adapted for living in dryish conditions. Their needles are not as vulnerable to water loss as the deciduous trees and therefore they fare better in dry times and in dry (sandy) soils.

If I were concerned about some of my trees, I too would water. Although watering with a hose may seem like too little to help, if you allow the water to run 20-30 minutes I can't help but think it would help. Be sure you don't just wet the surface but get water well down into the soil - a slow soak is better than a quick spray. Granted, mature trees do required enormous amounts of water but it seems to me that every bit helps.

John Wiessinger ( February 23, 2004)