Irrigation System for Trees (landscape, grass, mower, backyard)

[ethanw]

I am hearing next summer in Houston,TX is going to be as brutal as 2011. I have about 17 trees in my backyard that I plan to keep alive and healthy. I am a DIY guy and I was wondering what options do I have to install my own tree irrigation system. I want something permanent but nothing complex or fancy, just practical and efficient, maybe a drip system? Anyone done it and what approach and materials did you use?

I do have a sprinkler system but I don't believe it does a good job at covering the trees.

[wit-nit]

Depends on the size of your trees in your area. A drip system is fine if installed correctly with enough emitters. Drip system (self explanatory) takes a long period of time to penetrate the root system. This means you may need to run the system hours upon hours every 10- 14 days in the summer months depending on your temps at the time. The drippers need to be positioned near the drip line area of the trees to be effective. You may need 10 or more drippers spaced about 2-3 feet apart on large trees.
So to give more accurate information, one would need more info on trees, type, trunk diameter size, where planted such as in grass or a dirt/granite environment.
You can also google drip systems to see what you need to do. Otherwise if you don't use a drip system then you'll need to run a hose out to them or install a regular pvc type system.
The key to successful watering of established trees is infrequent deep deep watering.

[Bulldogdad]

Like nitram stated. Also if you want to do it like the pros do in dry climates install a deep root watering system.

Rain Bird RWS Root Watering Series

Head to a local John Deere Landscapes irrigation store if you have one or the similar they can help you out.

[Hemlock140]

You can keep younger, recently planted trees alive during a hot dry summer with bags of water that drip 24/7, and just refill them when they are empty. It's some work but only once in a while, as opposed to running around with a hose every day. You might compare to the price of all that tubing and hundreds of emmiters, plus a decent timer. You also don't need to worry about chopping up the tubing with a mower or shovel. I use drip a lot but
for things above ground level. Another option is a soaker hose wrapped around the drip line but that's best for just a few trees.


http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&key...l_97ak95hxdb_e

[Butterfly4u]

I live in South Carolina and we also had drought last year.
We are in stage 3, which is not good.
I also live on a sand hill, which isn't good for water retention.
This is how I watered last year.
I used 2-3 inches of mulch under the trees. Leave at least 6-8 inches
unmulched near trunk.
To water each tree, I took a regular garden hose, turned on to light to medium flow of water and placed it next to tree.
Leave on for HOURS for each tree.
I alternated the hose for each tree, one at a time. My hubby used
his cell phone for the timer.
I only did this every 7-10 days when temps were in high 90's.
It sounds overwhelming, you have 17, but you really need a lot of water to water a tree. I wouldn't even use a drip system, just use a hose
and see how good it works.
Don't try by hand, you can't thourghly water a tree by hand.

[SD4020]

A drip system is a good idea. Also mulch is a good idea. Make sure that you don't let the mulch contact the tree. If it does you run the risk of indroducing diseases and harming the trees.