The importance of watering edges around trees

The best moment to plant a watering edge

Watering rings are placed both in the autumn and in the spring. Although autumn is the prime tree planting season, it is still advisable to install watering edges around the trunks of newly planted trees. On the other hand, watering often starts when the sap flow begins in the spring. This is also an ideal time to install a watering edges. But how exactly do these watering edges work?

Watering edges

Our watering edges are professional watering systems for trees, made of HDPE (1,5 2,0 and 3,0 mm) and we supply them on rolls of 25 x 0,30 m and 50 x 0,30 m. We supply them in black and green. A watering edge is placed around the tree trunk and buried up to 10 cm, so it protrudes 20 cm above the ground surface. This way, a small water reservoir is created, in which very precisely water can be given at the right place.

Why watering edges?

• Irregular rainfall: In recent years, we have been dealing with irregular precipitation patterns throughout the year. Even in spring and autumn, there are dry periods or heavy rain showers during which water cannot properly infiltrate the soil. Trees therefore need extra support. With watering edges, you ensure that the water provided actually reaches the roots.

• Better water infiltration: With watering edges in place, water stays in the area around the base of the trunk. The water infiltrates gradually and doesn’t run off the surface. This way the root ball remains wet for longer and it also prevents water wastage.

• Sufficient depth: Newly planted trees don’t have deep enough roots to access water in deeper soil layers. A watering edge ensures that water reaches the root ball, where it is most needed.

• Faster root development: Irrigation with a watering reservoir around the tree helps roots develop better, which is important for the tree’s health. It helps to withstand storms and widespread roots also absorb nutrients and water better.

Installing watering edges

It is important to install a watering edge correctly, to avoid damage to the tree. The height and the shape of the watering edge in the installation are very important.

• The watering edge should be buried up to approx. 10 cm into the ground for stability and an appropriate water absorption. Thus, the watering reservoir protrudes approx. 20 cm above the ground surface. When a watering edge is placed too high, the water will leak away below the edge. If the watering edge is placed too low, the root ball will not absorb enough water. The water runs off to the adjacent soil and the root ball will not get the water it needs.

• The watering edge should be placed in a cirkel around the tree. The water does not get evenly distributed on the root ball when the reservoir is placed as an oval.

• Diameter root ball = diameter watering edge

• The watering edge can be connected with a connector, bolts and nuts, double-sided tape or nailed to tree stakes.

• If tree stakes are used, it is important to place the tree stakes outside the watering edge. If you place them inside the watering edge, the water will run off the root ball. If you place them outside the watering edge, the water will flow over the root ball and the roots can directly absorb the water.

• After use, the watering edge are reusable for new plantings. They last at least 10 years (at least 3 growth cycles of 3 years each).

Watering edges therefore guarantee proper watering and help young trees establish better.