DIY Tree Watering with Homemade Tree Watering System

Did you know more than 50 percent of most living trees' weight is water? That H₂O helps trees thrive. 

Just like you, water keeps trees hydrated and functioning. Trees need water to grow new leaves and roots, photosynthesize, transport nutrients, and even fight off pests and diseases.

All these awesome perks may have you ready to run outside and fire up the hose. But, keep reading! You want to water your tree deeply, which you can do easily with one of these tree watering systems.

Why make a homemade tree watering system?

Think about a time you’ve stood over your tree with a hose, wondering if you sprinkled too much or not enough. Meanwhile, the water is bubbling up near the trunk or spilling out onto the lawn. This method barely replenishes tree roots past the surface and wastes a ton of water.

Deep watering is much more effective at reaching tree roots. When water soaks down into the tree’s soil, it goes to all the roots, not just the ones you can see.

With a watering system, you can deliver just the right amount of water to your tree’s roots in a snap.

How to Water Trees with a 5-Gallon Bucket

For this DIY trick, you’ll need a 5-gallon bucket and something to puncture the bucket, like a drill or hammer and nail.

1. On the bottom of the bucket, make a half-inch hole near the outer edge.

2. Place the bucket on the tree’s drip line, the area directly under the canopy’s furthest reach.

3. Fill the bucket with water all the way to the top. Wait for the water to drain slowly into the tree’s soil.

4. When the bucket is empty, move it halfway around the tree and repeat the process. If you want, you can use two buckets on either side of the tree to save time.

5. And there you have it! Repeat the steps two or three times per week in summer, so your tree gets about 20 to 30 gallons of water.

How to Make a DIY Tree Watering Bag

For this method, you’ll need a 20-to-30-gallon garbage bag, one female and one male quick-connect adapter, and a two-to-four-foot piece of hose.

1. Cut a hole in one of the trash bag’s corners, small enough for the female quick-connect to fit tightly. The side that connects to the hose should be on the outside of the bag.

2. Cut a two-to-four foot piece off of an old hose, or, buy a short hose that’s this size.

3. Attach the short piece of hose to the male quick-connect, then, inside the bag, screw the male and female connectors together.

4. Tightly knot the end of the garbage bag. Connect your main hose to the female quick-connect and fill the bag. Make sure it doesn’t get too full or it may burst.

5. Poke a few small holes in the bottom of the bag with a needle.

6. Wait for the water to empty, and voila! Repeat the full process every week in summer or during drought periods.

Need more proof deep root watering is best for your tree? Click here.