|
DETERMINING
HOW MANY MONTHS IRRIGATION SHOULD BE PROVIDED BASED ON CLIMATE AND TREE SIZE AT PLANTING |
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|
USDA
hardiness zone |
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|
Maximum
trunk diameter at planting (in inches) |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
|
1 |
To
ensure establishment, tree should be irrigated: 12 months |
10
months |
7
months |
5
months |
3
months |
3
months |
|
2 |
24
months |
20
months |
15
months |
10
months |
6
months |
6
months |
|
3 |
36
months |
30
months |
23
months |
16
months |
9
months |
9
months |
|
4 |
48
months |
39
months |
30
months |
21
months |
12
months |
12
months |
Maximum recommended tree size at planting depends on climate and how long trees can be irrigated after planting. For example, if irrigation can be provided for six months after planting in USDA hardiness zone 9, maximum trunk diameter at planting is two inches. With six months' irrigation, maximum trunk diameter for planting in zone 5 would be about one-half inch. Irrigation should be provided during dry weather in the growing season for 24 months after planting a two-inch tree in USDA hardiness zone 5.