I'm curious about how much water established apple trees really need, especially since my trees are now starting to produce apples. Given the ongoing drought in the UK, the leaves are curling up, and I'm worried about their health. If anyone has tips or experiences to share about watering mature apple trees in times like these, I'd really appreciate it!
3 Answers
Established apple trees usually have deep enough roots to tap into groundwater, so they can often manage without additional watering. The curling leaves are just their way of coping with the heat and trying to conserve moisture. However, if you feel like watering could help, giving them a good soak of a few tens of liters around the base won’t hurt, especially during a drought. Just don't overdo it!
I usually don’t water my established trees much either. They’re designed to pull moisture from the ground on their own. But if your trees are really struggling or look like saplings, then you might want to do a slow watering overnight to make sure they can absorb it without waste. That said, only water if you’re sure it isn’t going to rain soon!
I’ve set up a cheap micro irrigation kit for my garden, which works great for giving consistent watering without overdoing it. Just a little drip effect can really help!
For my potted apple trees, it's a different story. I've been watering them every other day or daily if they look dry. A little bit at a time seems to be the best approach, unless they look stressed, then I give them a good flood. It’s a lot of work, especially with this summer heat and wind drying everything out!
But be careful! If your tree is on a dwarf rootstock, it might actually need more water than you think. In those cases, it’s crucial to ensure they’re getting the moisture they need to avoid dropping fruit and stressing the tree.