Irrigating Apple Trees

How to water apple trees

The average young apple tree needs a lot of water in order to develop strong roots, leaves and finally fruits. As a rule of thumb, young apple trees need more water than mature apple trees, which can rely mostly on rainwater in regions with frequent rainfalls. As a second rule of thumb, in regions where there are no frequent rainfalls, it is beneficial to irrigate apple trees (especially the younger ones) about once a week from late spring to fall (May to October). As a third rule of thumb, the majority of apple trees need almost half of the annual water supply during summer (July and August). However, these are just rules of thumb that should not be followed without making your own research. Every field is different and has different needs. Although some general rules may apply, soil texture and climate conditions determine at a great percentage the amount of water needed in order to harvest a fair yield.

Backyard apple growers often built a circular soil wall 3-5 feet (1-1,5 m) around the apple trunk and add a thin layer of mulch in it, so as to increase the rainwater holding capacity of the soil.

During the last 30 years, part coverage, drip or micro irrigation systems were used in commercial apple orchards. However, nowadays in the United States, sprinklers are used in at least 60% of apple farms. Their main advantage is the protection of the tree buds from frost damage. These contemporary systems normally ensure full coverage irrigation. Full coverage irrigation combined with the presence of cover crops often reduces the need for fertilizing, because the cover crop normally produces organic matter that is decomposed, releasing important nutrients to the soil.

You can enrich this article by leaving a comment or photo of your apple trees irrigation methods.

1.) Apple Tree Information

2.) Growing Apple Tree from seed

3.) Growing Apple Trees in pots

4.) Growing Apple Trees professionally

5.) Apple Tree Climate Conditions

6.) Apple Tree Propagation and Pollination

7.) Apple Tree Soil Conditions and Preparation

8.) Planting Apple Trees – Number of Apple Trees per Hectare

9.) Irrigation of Apple Tree

10.) How to fertilize Apple Trees

11.) Apple Tree pruning

12.) Apple Tree Harvest & Yields

13.) Apple Tree Pests & Diseases

14.) Q&As Apple Tree

15.) Apples in Wholesale Bulk Prices

Do you have experience in Apple Tree cultivation? Please share your experience, methods and practices in the comments below. All the content you add will be soon reviewed by our agronomists. Once approved, it will be added to Wikifarmer.com and it will influence positively thousands of new and experienced farmers across the world.