Texas FFA Nursery Landscape Practice Exam

What is the recommended frequency for watering newly planted trees?

1. Once a week

2. Every day

3. Every other day

4. Once a month

The correct answer is: Every other day

For newly planted trees, the recommended frequency for watering is every other day. This is crucial because newly planted trees have not yet established a robust root system, which makes them more susceptible to drying out. Adequate moisture is vital during the initial period after planting to promote root growth and help the tree acclimate to its new environment. Watering every other day provides a consistent supply of moisture without saturating the soil, which can lead to root rot and other issues. While daily watering might seem beneficial, it can actually hinder root development by keeping the soil too wet, preventing roots from reaching deeper for moisture. Conversely, watering once a week or once a month would likely be insufficient during this critical establishment phase, especially in warmer weather or drier conditions, where new trees need more frequent watering to thrive. Thus, watering every other day represents an optimal balance to ensure the tree receives enough moisture to support its growth while encouraging roots to expand into the surrounding soil.