For newly planted trees or bushes or those planted in a dry environment, there is an easy way to water them effectively through direct watering of the root ball with minimum water loss from evaporation. When you dig the hole for the new tree or plant, dig some additional space next to it and put a section of 3- or 4-inch PVC pipe into it, so that the bottom of the pipe is at the same depth as the bottom of the regular hole. The top of it should extend several inches above the soil when the soil is replaced.
When the tree or plant has been placed into the hole and the dirt placed around it, you will be able to place a hose into the pipe and fill it with water, which will slowly release by the bottom of the root ball. In this way, the roots will grow downward into the soil where there is moisture rather than towards the top to get at moisture released from above by surface watering. You can fill the pipe as full or as often as needed, and it will slowly release. You can also drill holes into the bottom portion of the pipe, facing the root ball, to release water more quickly.
Connie Bartley, Smith County Master Gardener
Texas Cooperative Extension
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