Question From: D. Ketchbaw - Fredericksburg, Texas, United States
Q: I live in Fredericksburg, Texas and had a local nursery plant a beautiful Mexican sycamore in my front yard (plenty of room). They told me to water it 15 minutes daily for about 3 weeks...then 3 x wk. for a month. I have done exactly as directed, but the healthy tree is now showing signs of stress...leaves turning yellow. I don't know if it needs more water, or am I watering too much? I don't want it to die...I need advice on how to water this beauty. Thanks, Donna
A: How much to water varies from site to site. Weather also makes a difference. In hot weather a newly planted tree needs more water. Sandy soil drains fast and needs more water than clay soil. First check the soil in the root ball. It should be constantly moist but not sodden. Buy a Luster Leaf moisture meter - you can get them at Walmart or Home Depot in the house plant department. Water the tree and then check the soil the next day and the day after that. Hopefully the tree is mulched. If so scrape away the mulch when you check the soil in the rootball. Hopefully you are watering with a hose end water wands and not a sprinkler. A sprinkler may not do the job. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy.
Q: When the nursery planted the tree they put a white pvc pipe down to the root ball to check water; when I put a stick in the pipe, the end is wet to about 1/4 " up, so the tree seems to be getting enough moisture?? But every day, there are more yellow leaves. Is this pipe idea accurate enough? If not, I'll certainly get the moisture meter you suggested. Thanks, Donna
A: Donna, I would talk to the folks who planted your tree and ask their advice. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy
