Fruit trees should be irrigated according to their water needs and the soil type. A 1-year-old tree usually requires 1 gallon of water per day. If the soil is sandy and the temperature, wind, and sunlight intensity are high, the tree could use 2 gallons per day and more frequent irrigation during these periods. Excessive watering with any irrigation system can occur if the soil has a high clay content or does not drain well. Overirrigation can cause as many problems with growth as does drought. A 2-year-old tree usually needs about 2 gallons per day and a 3-year-old tree as much as 4 gallons per day. Fully mature trees can require as many as 20 gallons a day, depending upon soil type and temperature. |