Thread: Watering trees

Originally Posted by Gipsy

Don't. If they're well established mature (fruit-bearing) trees their wide-spread root system will pick up enough moisture and nutrients to survive the season.

If you just planted seedlings or non-mature trees, situated in poor (hard) soil, you might help 'm a bit but don't overdo it, they need to grow 'tough', develop their root system and over watering will make them grow skinny and weak. Better to give them an extra splash 'n dash and some manure once they start growing again but that's still months away. (i.e. when the neighbours come nicking the reddish-tinted new leaves)

I just came across this post, I don't want to step on any toes here but I don't totally agree with you answer.

The answer is dependent on what you are looking for from the trees. If you are just looking for the tree to survive, your answer is pretty much correct,however if you are looking for production of fruit not so much correct. If you are desiring good production of premium fruit water is essential, the roots of any tree has very fine roots that grow off the main roots, if these are left to dry out they will die resulting in less water absorption, water being essential for fruit to develop you will have less flavor in the fruit.

Having many fruit trees here in Thailand it is my experience that trees never stop growing, thus a continued application of fertilizer is also essential. Before every watering a soup can full of a 16-16-16 fertilizer is recommended.

I hope this helps, and good luck with your mangos.

Originally Posted by RPETER65

Originally Posted by Gipsy

Don't. If they're well established mature (fruit-bearing) trees their wide-spread root system will pick up enough moisture and nutrients to survive the season.

If you just planted seedlings or non-mature trees, situated in poor (hard) soil, you might help 'm a bit but don't overdo it, they need to grow 'tough', develop their root system and over watering will make them grow skinny and weak. Better to give them an extra splash 'n dash and some manure once they start growing again but that's still months away. (i.e. when the neighbours come nicking the reddish-tinted new leaves)

I just came across this post, I don't want to step on any toes here but I don't totally agree with you answer.

The answer is dependent on what you are looking for from the trees. If you are just looking for the tree to survive, your answer is pretty much correct,however if you are looking for production of fruit not so much correct. If you are desiring good production of premium fruit water is essential, the roots of any tree has very fine roots that grow off the main roots, if these are left to dry out they will die resulting in less water absorption, water being essential for fruit to develop you will have less flavor in the fruit.

Having many fruit trees here in Thailand it is my experience that trees never stop growing, thus a continued application of fertilizer is also essential. Before every watering a soup can full of a 16-16-16 fertilizer is recommended.

I hope this helps, and good luck with your mangos.

We have quite a big mango tree at the rear of of our house, which just as it starts to show blossom I give it about 4 gallons of water with small amount of soluble fertilizer in twice a week , this tree is still producing fruit long after all the other tree's in the village have finished , and Jan gets a few baht selling them , of course its all down to the large spirit house directly under the tree ,and the TLC I give it has nothing to do with it