QuestionHello Jim. I have about 10 different species of trees in my 1 1/2 acre yard (I love trees). Every single tree in my yard is covered with about a 4 inch layer of mulch. I live in Southern California (High Desert) and my soil is sandy. I want to know if I'm watering my trees too much. For instance on Mondays, I water my trees in the morning and then by Thursday, when I go check on the soil, the soil is still moist (brown as opposed to the white sandy soil around the tree) My question is this, Should I continue to water the trees even if the soil is moist? Or should I let the soil dry out before the next watering? Thank you. I know it's common sense but I have some sensitive trees like Japanese maples and Douglas firs.
AnswerI would let the soil dry out some before watering again. This will cause the roots to grow deeper into the soil and can survive drought conditions better. The mulch will hold moisture around the trees. I would check under the mulch and if the first couple of inches of soil is drying out then water. I would water with 1 inch of water--place a pan under the tree and turn the sprinkler on and when the pan has 1 inch of water in it stop. This will give the tree a deep watering.
