IRRIGATION GUIDELINES – HARDINESS ZONES 9-11

1.                  Water rates are based on 3 gallons of water per caliper inch (University of Florida Research).

2.                  Adjust rates based on the soil moisture within the root ball profile, the soil moisture in the adjacent native soil and the visible hydration level of the tree’s foliage.

3.                  Water should be delivered to the root ball in a slow manner to allow adequate penetration and absorption.

4.                  Irrigation rates should be increased with warmer temperatures and decreased with cooler temperatures.

5.                  Irrigation rates should be reduced during tree dormancy.

6.                  Established rates are based on 3 months per inch of trunk caliper.

7.                  An optimum root ball soil moisture profile can be better maintained if water is applied in multiple irrigation cycles during the day.

TABLE

CONTAINER SIZE	GALLONS OF WATER	SCHEDULE	MONTHS TO ESTABLISH
15 GAL	4.5	Daily for 2 months. Every other day for 2 months. Weekly until established.	6 months
30 GAL	7.5	Daily for 2 months. Every other day for 4 months. Weekly until established.	6-12 months
45 GAL	9	Daily for 2 months. Every other day for 4 months. Weekly until established.	6-12 months
65 GAL	10.5	Daily for 2 months. Every other day for 4 months. Weekly until established.	6-12 months
100 GAL	13.5	Daily for 2 months. Every other day for 5 months. Weekly until established.	12-24 months