How-to Guide
How Often and How Much to Water a Newly Planted Tree or Shrub
The short answer
Water thoroughly right after planting, then let the soil tell you when to water again. For the first two weeks, check soil moisture daily and water deeply whenever the top 6 inches feels dry. After that, keep checking at least once a week through the first two full growing seasons, watering deeply when the top 6 inches is dry. Deep, infrequent watering (wetting the soil 6+ inches down) beats frequent shallow sprinkles.
Aim to wet the root zone about 6 inches deep each time — roughly 1 to 2 inches of applied water, which is about 65 to 130 gallons per 100 square feet, varying with soil type. Don't water on a fixed daily schedule regardless of moisture: overwatering drowns new plants just as surely as drought kills them, so always check the soil first.
The watering schedule
- 1At planting — Water immediately and thoroughly to settle soil around the roots and remove air pockets.
- 2First 2 weeks — Check soil moisture daily; water deeply whenever the top 6 inches feels dry.
- 3Through the first 2 years — Check at least weekly and water deeply when the top 6 inches is dry. New plantings generally need water every several days to a week in the absence of rain.
How much and how to check
- Wet the soil to at least 6 inches deep each watering — about 1-2 inches of water, roughly 65-130 gallons per 100 sq ft, depending on soil.
- Check by probing with a trowel or screwdriver: if the top 6 inches is dry, water; if it's still moist, wait.
- Apply water slowly to the root zone (not overhead) so it soaks in instead of running off.
- Don't let the plant sit in standing water — soggy soil damages roots. Many new trees are killed by watering too often.
⚠ A fixed 'water every day' habit is the most common way new trees die. Let soil moisture — not the calendar — decide each watering.
Sources
Reviewed 2026-07-18. We cite university Extension, government, and established horticultural sources — and never invent pesticide rates or dangerous treatments.
- University of Maryland Extension — Watering Trees and Shrubs — Water immediately after planting; check soil moisture daily for the first 2 weeks and at least weekly through the first two years, watering deeply when the top 6 inches is dry; wetting soil 6 inches deep takes about 1-2 inches of water (65-130 gallons per 100 sq ft); overwatering drowns new plants.
- University of Minnesota Extension — Watering newly planted trees and shrubs — Newly planted trees and shrubs need regular checking and deep watering of the root ball and surrounding soil during establishment, adjusting for rainfall and soil, and should not be kept waterlogged.