The bottom line is, every situation is different and there are many different soil types, climates , sand, clay, hot, dry out there. etc. Trees need as many feeder roots as they can get but if you confine them to a pit with a tube, it only lasts so long. (not very long). BTW Johnny apple seed never needed any plastic tubes, Just learn how to plant a tree and learn how roots grow and how old trees survive. Skip the tubes. Look up ISA or look up bristle cone pine. The reason I am so adamant or passionate is... I am tired of these junky products being sold when trees have been growing just fine for thousands and thousands of millennia ... - long before "clever" humans. Plus, I have grown and killed more trees than this dude on this video has even thought about. AND I am just trying to help in the long run.
Depends on the tree. New trees daily. Then a few times a week. Then once a week and eventually a few times a month. As the tree gets older possibly only occasionally. It would depend on your tree, soil, climate, rainfall, etc… we have several large trees now at our new property in the Midwest. We usually receive a significant amount of rainfall. But we have had several weeks without rain. We might need to go around and deep root water our larger trees because even they could die despite the deeper root structure.
I just started doing this when I notice my Crepe Myrtle was showing stress after a month of 100°+ weather here in Las Vegas NV. I used a 3” diameter drilling auger to check if it is moist down the tree root ball and after a couple of feet i found out that it was dry underground. I deep water my trees of about 40-50 gallons of water once per week with plenty of mulch around the base of the tree and apparently that wasn’t enough. for our high heat and low humidity. I installed 3’ of this pipe, wrapped the holes with scrap solar screen fabric to prevent dirt from falling inside the pipe and I used the pvc end cap because I don’t want the root ball to be exposed to insects or bugs plus it will keep the moisture in and prevent the water evaporation. Great video and I’m jealous with the chickens😅it’s too hot during the summer to keep them here.🐓🐔
Agnete Thomsen yes it did!!! Here in Las Vegas our soil are very compact and low draining, so I could see 3 feet down if I’m over watering it or my trees needed water...
Thank you for your ideas and many information you wrote. Definitely I need that in Texas weather. Also RWS is very expensive to get for every fruit tree that I have. A lots of tree can't survive with in 2 years.. I heard that. This is first time fruit trees and first year so I hope my husband will help to make it.
Hint- If you know you need to dig a deep(ish) hole, the night before take a 5 gal bucket, drill 3 small holes equi-distant about 1/12 - 2 in. from the outer edge of the bucket, fill bucket with water & cover tightly. By the time you get to it the next day, the soil will be somewhat moist & much easier to dig. Fewer broken shovels.
We put in 50mm ones with 3 mm holes and a couple of feet above the ground when we planted our trees. Fill them up twice a week and they water themselves and a perfect system for our 35 to 45 degree celsius months.
Exactly, in the past couple of months I have had this installed everything has been working great! About once a week I’ll throw a hose in each tube for a few minutes til they fill up. Generally I will top them off 2-3x as the water absorbs into the soil.
I usually put a layer of 1 inch clean rock on the bottom, I then use 2 or 3 inch curved flex plastic that you would use for your gutters to divert the water from your home. I have the flex hose going into the layer of rock and that will spread it to the dirt root ball same principle sticking the hose into the plastic above.
I've seen so many of these videos of pvc and trees, but haven't found a single follow up video regarding the progress of the newly planted trees. I've started to think that it is not working great as portrayed. I have about twenty young two to three year old trees that haven't been planted perfectly. I want want to unbury them and use the pvc pipe, but afraid of wasting my time for nothing.
Great video! We're looking to do this on some new fruit trees we're planting but I'm concerned about root rot. Have you noticed any negative effects 2 years later? Thanks.
Technically this should help if you are concerned with root rot. This allows for less frequent watering but with a larger quantity. If your soil is poor draining it will give you a port hole to view if it is holding water.
Hi, I am going to plant a sandal wood tree sapling (2 months old ) in my home town. Can I place the perforated tube two feet away ? If we bury the tube in the drip line, what happens when the tree grows huge ? Kindly help me out. Thank you
It may fill with sediment overtime. Keep in mind this watering method is most useful when establishing trees. Once established they should have a healthy deep root system which is capable of finding water easier. If you would like you can use filter fabric to keep out dirt and sediment.
I have opposite problem as I live in North East of England (UK) heavy rain and heavy clay soil which make water logged on no more than 1.5 foot depth. does this technique help to drain logged water from soil to tubes as I fear of root rot. if not what's technique can I use thanks alot in advance
If your soils hold water then I would install a french drain to capture extra water in the soil and carry it away from the roots. The concept is similar but the tubes would be burried horizontally and should be backfilled with drainage gravel and a layer of filter fabric installed between the soil and rock.
Yes, tree roots are much different than a lawn. Lawn roots can be anywhere from 6-12” in depth (sometimes deeper or shallower depending on soil and watering habits). Tree roots are usually deeper and the deep root water simply helps water reach lower depths faster than surface watering methods. It will still allow for surface roots to be watered, especially if you have clay soil and your pipe fills up with water quickly.
Most of tree roots are growing HORIZONTALLY 15 - 20cm below the ground. No need DEEP WATER EXERCISE, it is misunderstanding. If you WANT TO MAKE ROOT growing well, just create a RAINDROPS MODEL.
Unfortunately we sold that house about 5 years ago. But being in the landscape industry I have seen commercial installations of RainBirds RWS as well as homeowners own versions similar to what is shown in this video. One homeowner had 20 year old evergreen trees with 4” pipe similar for deep root watering. I don’t know how much it helps. I don’t believe it can hurt as it is simply allowing you to inject water deeper. The alternative is running a hose for a long period of time.
I've never had a problem during the winter with snow or freezing. The pipe doesn't hold water so ice can't break the pipe. If your concerned with the cold getting to the roots you could probably stuff a piece of insulation and cap it during the winter. There are many different available fittings which could be used instead of the green drain grate. But honestly I believe the tree will self manage either way.
Ty Very simple Watched 2 videos to now, each spent 2min@start talking about history & why. I needed to get an idea how. Thanks bro. Btw, beautiful child. But… She speaks French? And English? Either way, cute & sharp!
I did not. I don't see a reason, but if you are worried about soil intrusion I would recommend using some filter fabric. Then water could still pass easily and prevent soil from entering from the bottom or the holes in the side.
I'm not sure a barrel will help that much. The idea is that this is easy to install and allows for access to the layers of soil. When deep watering it allows for quicker water penetration. Plus I would be concerned that a barrel does not have the structural strength to prevent collapsing. For larger trees the same method will work. Simply add water slowly or do several fills over a fairly stort span of time.
Depends on your weather and soil conditions. The pipe is perfect good establishment watering. Once it takes root you can do it less often. Eventually you shouldn’t have to water at all with the exception of drought conditions.
Thrifty Garage Thank you for the reply. We have a 30 gallon crape Myrtle being delivered today. I’m SO excited. I live in central VA so weather is iffy. This week has been 90’s and no rain. I was planning some sort of deep root watering system and yours looks very good. Tree is being planted by nursery so I don’t have to dig or backfill. I just need to put pipe where I want it. I’m placing 4 pipes because it’s already a big tree. And I may plant smaller stuff around it and those things would benefit too.
Every foot of 4” pipe can hold 0.65 gallons. These two pipes probably can hold 3-4 gallons. But as you are filling them water can percolate into the adjacent soil. You can probably apply 10-20 gallons relatively quickly with this system.
Hello, so I did this today and seems like the water just goes right through the bottom of it. I filled it up and 10 min later all the water was gone lol. Do I have to put a cap at the bottom?
How deep did you install the pipe? How quickly the water disappears will depend on your soil type. It’s much better if the tree is being watered from the bottom than the top. It will encourage deeper roots. If you are worried that the tree’s current rootball isn’t getting sufficient water I’d fill up the hole and let the hose trickle so it stays topped off or even over flowing. Eventually you can switch back to deeper waterings.
@@ThriftyGarage so I dug it about 24 inches deep. Made 3 rows of holes going down the pipe. I’m using it for my palm trees that are on a slope/hill. I also have clay soil. How long does it take your water to run out?
@@Repla12481 depending on the size of the tree, I wouldn't be too worried about it. As mentioned above I'd run the hose on a trickle or use a drip system for equal results. Sounds like you are doing a good job to watch and care for them. As far as the soil type. Our soil was very similar. I'd guess about 10 minutes also. Best way to check would be to go back a day or two later and see if there is any moisture remaining in the soil. You would be able to look through the holes in the pipe an see.
@@yota87truck gotcha, I thought it was bad that the water was going right through the bottom of the tube, since I thought it was supposed to be a slow release.
Depending on your soil type you shouldn't have to go any deeper than 3-4'. It is best to install along the outer perimeter of the branch canopy. You can always install more than 3 if the tree will take up the water.
The bottom line is, every situation is different and there are many different soil types, climates , sand, clay, hot, dry out there. etc. Trees need as many feeder roots as they can get but if you confine them to a pit with a tube, it only lasts so long. (not very long). BTW Johnny apple seed never needed any plastic tubes, Just learn how to plant a tree and learn how roots grow and how old trees survive. Skip the tubes. Look up ISA or look up bristle cone pine. The reason I am so adamant or passionate is... I am tired of these junky products being sold when trees have been growing just fine for thousands and thousands of millennia ... - long before clever humans. Plus, I have grown and killed more trees than this dude on this video has even thought about. AND I am just trying to help in the long run.
Yeah. I agree. This is a good idea in theory and maybe even in practice. But what happens when the tree roots grow INTO the PVC pipe. Good luck ever getting that pipe out of the ground !!!! I have six fruit trees in my backyard. But installing twelve 2 foot pieces of PVC pipe that I'll never ever be able to remove without digging it all out because the roots have so grown into the pipe....not so sure I should do this....
@@ThriftyGarage While the concept makes sense, tree roots need oxygen and if you have stagnant water sitting in clay, the water becomes anaerobic and poisonous for feeder roots. Drainage is just as important.However, putting water in a pit or pot wont drain. recommending to Just water on the surface and slowly soak.
Here is a link to the Perforated ADS Drain Pipe: amzn.to/2RucbrJ
The bottom line is, every situation is different and there are many different soil types, climates , sand, clay, hot, dry out there. etc.
Trees need as many feeder roots as they can get but if you confine them to a pit with a tube, it only lasts so long. (not very long). BTW Johnny apple seed never needed any plastic tubes, Just learn how to plant a tree and learn how roots grow and how old trees survive. Skip the tubes. Look up ISA or look up bristle cone pine. The reason I am so adamant or passionate is... I am tired of these junky products being sold when trees have been growing just fine for thousands and thousands of millennia ... - long before "clever" humans. Plus, I have grown and killed more trees than this dude on this video has even thought about. AND I am just trying to help in the long run.
Tanks for commenting. It helps the channel!
How many times a week do we water the tree in this way?
Depends on the tree. New trees daily. Then a few times a week. Then once a week and eventually a few times a month. As the tree gets older possibly only occasionally. It would depend on your tree, soil, climate, rainfall, etc… we have several large trees now at our new property in the Midwest. We usually receive a significant amount of rainfall. But we have had several weeks without rain. We might need to go around and deep root water our larger trees because even they could die despite the deeper root structure.
I just started doing this when I notice my Crepe Myrtle was showing stress after a month of 100°+ weather here in Las Vegas NV. I used a 3” diameter drilling auger to check if it is moist down the tree root ball and after a couple of feet i found out that it was dry underground. I deep water my trees of about 40-50 gallons of water once per week with plenty of mulch around the base of the tree and apparently that wasn’t enough. for our high heat and low humidity. I installed 3’ of this pipe, wrapped the holes with scrap solar screen fabric to prevent dirt from falling inside the pipe and I used the pvc end cap because I don’t want the root ball to be exposed to insects or bugs plus it will keep the moisture in and prevent the water evaporation. Great video and I’m jealous with the chickens😅it’s too hot during the summer to keep them here.🐓🐔
That is great to hear!
Any update on how your tree took to it? Did it help?
Agnete Thomsen yes it did!!! Here in Las Vegas our soil are very compact and low draining, so I could see 3 feet down if I’m over watering it or my trees needed water...
Great ! I am waiting for the follow up video!
@@ThriftyGarage Look up permaculture.
Like it, aside from the digging (clay soil), nothing complicated and pretty simple
I have been looking for a non-complicated way for deep root watering system. This looks like something I can do. Thank you.
Thanks for watching! Let us know how it goes.
th-cam.com/users/results?search_query=diy+deep+root+watering+system
Did you post a follow up showing if this helped the tree? Thanks
Thank you for your ideas and many information you wrote. Definitely I need that in Texas weather. Also RWS is very expensive to get for every fruit tree that I have. A lots of tree can't survive with in 2 years.. I heard that. This is first time fruit trees and first year so I hope my husband will help to make it.
Thanks for posting. I've always been interested to learn more about this subject. Now all I need is a place with soil rather than rocks.
Hint-
If you know you need to dig a deep(ish) hole, the night before take a 5 gal bucket, drill 3 small holes equi-distant about 1/12 - 2 in. from the outer edge of the bucket, fill bucket with water & cover tightly.
By the time you get to it the next day, the soil will be somewhat moist & much easier to dig. Fewer broken shovels.
Awesome tip! Thanks for sharing!
We put in 50mm ones with 3 mm holes and a couple of feet above the ground when we planted our trees. Fill them up twice a week and they water themselves and a perfect system for our 35 to 45 degree celsius months.
Sounds like a great solution!
Can I cover it with a solid cap rather then a vented one? Don't want any soil to fall into it...
That would be the perfect application for a post hole digger.
Getting ready to plant some trees & I'll be doing this. All my shovels are left-handed so I'm getting someone else to dig.
That left handed shovel will get you every time!
If I buy a tree that is in a planter and transplant it to the ground and the plant is big can I still use this method and would it help it grow ?
You tell me. Would the water reach the roots? If so, then yes this method would work.
I had no idea this could even be done. Wow! Great tip!
Thanks! I enjoyed doing this project.
How does it work after installing it? Do you fill pipe with water from the garden hose and let slowly absorb? Thanks for sharing
Exactly, in the past couple of months I have had this installed everything has been working great! About once a week I’ll throw a hose in each tube for a few minutes til they fill up. Generally I will top them off 2-3x as the water absorbs into the soil.
Aww that sucks about the shovel. Hopefully you were able to reuse the head of it. I know they sell replacement 'poles' at Home Depot.
I usually put a layer of 1 inch clean rock on the bottom, I then use 2 or 3 inch curved flex plastic that you would use for your gutters to divert the water from your home. I have the flex hose going into the layer of rock and that will spread it to the dirt root ball same principle sticking the hose into the plastic above.
Let me know how that truns out with the gravel at the bottom. - Look up ISA
I've seen so many of these videos of pvc and trees, but haven't found a single follow up video regarding the progress of the newly planted trees. I've started to think that it is not working great as portrayed. I have about twenty young two to three year old trees that haven't been planted perfectly. I want want to unbury them and use the pvc pipe, but afraid of wasting my time for nothing.
Great video! We're looking to do this on some new fruit trees we're planting but I'm concerned about root rot. Have you noticed any negative effects 2 years later? Thanks.
Technically this should help if you are concerned with root rot. This allows for less frequent watering but with a larger quantity. If your soil is poor draining it will give you a port hole to view if it is holding water.
@@ThriftyGarage I've been doing some more research and that makes sense. Thanks for answering!
@@ThriftyGarage So, what is root rot exactly?
@@theronwinsby just that, rotting roots from excess moisture remaining around the root system between watering
Hi, I am going to plant a sandal wood tree sapling (2 months old ) in my home town. Can I place the perforated tube two feet away ? If we bury the tube in the drip line, what happens when the tree grows huge ? Kindly help me out. Thank you
If you place the root waterer 2’ away the roots will grow around it. It should not have any affect on the longevity of the tree.
Hello , how do you prevent the dirt to don't clog the holes in the pipe?
It may fill with sediment overtime. Keep in mind this watering method is most useful when establishing trees. Once established they should have a healthy deep root system which is capable of finding water easier. If you would like you can use filter fabric to keep out dirt and sediment.
I have opposite problem as I live in North East of England (UK) heavy rain and heavy clay soil which make water logged on no more than 1.5 foot depth. does this technique help to drain logged water from soil to tubes as I fear of root rot. if not what's technique can I use
thanks alot in advance
If your soils hold water then I would install a french drain to capture extra water in the soil and carry it away from the roots. The concept is similar but the tubes would be burried horizontally and should be backfilled with drainage gravel and a layer of filter fabric installed between the soil and rock.
Very useful garden hack! Thanks for sharing 💧
Thanks for watching!
I’m planning on buying a Autumn blaze Maple , and I know the roots tend to go straight out . Would this work for a tree like that ? Thanks .
Yes, tree roots are much different than a lawn. Lawn roots can be anywhere from 6-12” in depth (sometimes deeper or shallower depending on soil and watering habits). Tree roots are usually deeper and the deep root water simply helps water reach lower depths faster than surface watering methods. It will still allow for surface roots to be watered, especially if you have clay soil and your pipe fills up with water quickly.
Most of tree roots are growing HORIZONTALLY 15 - 20cm below the ground.
No need DEEP WATER EXERCISE, it is misunderstanding.
If you WANT TO MAKE ROOT growing well, just create a RAINDROPS MODEL.
Roots grow where the water is; and where the soil is less compact. I want to encourage my trees to have deep roots and not be average.
Excellent! I’ve been wanting to do that!
2:01 What is a healthy tree?
OMG, your daughter is so cute!
Wow, great job with the shovel? good luck pushing the wheel barrow? lol
Whats the update on this? Jsit got orange tree and was thinking about this method
Lady at thr nursery said dont do it
Unfortunately we sold that house about 5 years ago. But being in the landscape industry I have seen commercial installations of RainBirds RWS as well as homeowners own versions similar to what is shown in this video. One homeowner had 20 year old evergreen trees with 4” pipe similar for deep root watering. I don’t know how much it helps. I don’t believe it can hurt as it is simply allowing you to inject water deeper. The alternative is running a hose for a long period of time.
Thanks for sharing and for making it so simple.. I am doinv it for my pomegranate/lemin trees.
Thanks for watching!
Not a good idea. Just use mulch and water correctly.
How do you weather proof for snowy windy winters?
For the chickens or the tree waterers?
Sorry, waterers
Oh and what is the green screen looking thing called again?
I've never had a problem during the winter with snow or freezing. The pipe doesn't hold water so ice can't break the pipe. If your concerned with the cold getting to the roots you could probably stuff a piece of insulation and cap it during the winter. There are many different available fittings which could be used instead of the green drain grate. But honestly I believe the tree will self manage either way.
Ty
Very simple
Watched 2 videos to now, each spent 2min@start talking about history & why.
I needed to get an idea how.
Thanks bro.
Btw, beautiful child.
But… She speaks French? And English?
Either way, cute & sharp!
Bonjour. Need a trench shovel for that clay
do you need to cap the bottom off as well?
I did not. I don't see a reason, but if you are worried about soil intrusion I would recommend using some filter fabric. Then water could still pass easily and prevent soil from entering from the bottom or the holes in the side.
Slotted drainage pipe will also work & no drilling required.
That is a great idea and would work perfect! 👍
Can i bury a barrel instead to water slightly larger trees? also how to control soil from filling inside barrel? thanks in advance from INDIA :)
Weed fabric would work well to deter roots and dirt from coming in the holes.
I'm not sure a barrel will help that much. The idea is that this is easy to install and allows for access to the layers of soil. When deep watering it allows for quicker water penetration. Plus I would be concerned that a barrel does not have the structural strength to prevent collapsing. For larger trees the same method will work. Simply add water slowly or do several fills over a fairly stort span of time.
Great idea! How often are you filling the pipe with water?
Depends on your weather and soil conditions. The pipe is perfect good establishment watering. Once it takes root you can do it less often. Eventually you shouldn’t have to water at all with the exception of drought conditions.
Thrifty Garage Thank you for the reply. We have a 30 gallon crape Myrtle being delivered today. I’m SO excited. I live in central VA so weather is iffy. This week has been 90’s and no rain.
I was planning some sort of deep root watering system and yours looks very good. Tree is being planted by nursery so I don’t have to dig or backfill. I just need to put pipe where I want it. I’m placing 4 pipes because it’s already a big tree. And I may plant smaller stuff around it and those things would benefit too.
@@tricia19632004how did the pipes work out for your crepe myrtle?
How long is the pipe and is one or two pipes sufficient?
I would suggest 2 or more per tree. Length is approximately 2-3’.
Do you know how many gallons you are watering with every full pipe
Every foot of 4” pipe can hold 0.65 gallons. These two pipes probably can hold 3-4 gallons. But as you are filling them water can percolate into the adjacent soil. You can probably apply 10-20 gallons relatively quickly with this system.
Isn’t that pipe too big for that tree. For my shrubs I use 3/4
More capacity.
Congrats on 106 k views.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Hello, so I did this today and seems like the water just goes right through the bottom of it. I filled it up and 10 min later all the water was gone lol. Do I have to put a cap at the bottom?
How deep did you install the pipe? How quickly the water disappears will depend on your soil type. It’s much better if the tree is being watered from the bottom than the top. It will encourage deeper roots. If you are worried that the tree’s current rootball isn’t getting sufficient water I’d fill up the hole and let the hose trickle so it stays topped off or even over flowing. Eventually you can switch back to deeper waterings.
@@ThriftyGarage so I dug it about 24 inches deep. Made 3 rows of holes going down the pipe. I’m using it for my palm trees that are on a slope/hill. I also have clay soil. How long does it take your water to run out?
@@Repla12481 depending on the size of the tree, I wouldn't be too worried about it. As mentioned above I'd run the hose on a trickle or use a drip system for equal results. Sounds like you are doing a good job to watch and care for them. As far as the soil type. Our soil was very similar. I'd guess about 10 minutes also. Best way to check would be to go back a day or two later and see if there is any moisture remaining in the soil. You would be able to look through the holes in the pipe an see.
@@yota87truck gotcha, I thought it was bad that the water was going right through the bottom of the tube, since I thought it was supposed to be a slow release.
It's very nice
Namaskar (respect) from india
Pl inform how much deep required for orrange plant who 8 year old size is 10 feet high and 5 feet wide
Depending on your soil type you shouldn't have to go any deeper than 3-4'. It is best to install along the outer perimeter of the branch canopy. You can always install more than 3 if the tree will take up the water.
Nice job on breaking the shovel. Lol
Epic I'm putting in trees I woulda never thought of that
I would think after a few years the pipe would fill with roots making it useless, although it looks like a great idea.
Roots don't tend to like open air because it doesn't hold moisture like soil does. If roots dry out they will die
Best part of the video: 1:00 😊👶🏼
thanks
Thanks for this video📹👍
Thanks for watching!
OOOOH NO, you broke the shovel and tire on wheelbarrow is off the axle bracket. Good video on deep watering a 🌳
best idea
Maybe you need four at four coners.
The bottom line is, every situation is different and there are many different soil types, climates , sand, clay, hot, dry out there. etc.
Trees need as many feeder roots as they can get but if you confine them to a pit with a tube, it only lasts so long. (not very long). BTW Johnny apple seed never needed any plastic tubes, Just learn how to plant a tree and learn how roots grow and how old trees survive. Skip the tubes. Look up ISA or look up bristle cone pine. The reason I am so adamant or passionate is... I am tired of these junky products being sold when trees have been growing just fine for thousands and thousands of millennia ... - long before clever humans. Plus, I have grown and killed more trees than this dude on this video has even thought about. AND I am just trying to help in the long run.
Yeah. I agree. This is a good idea in theory and maybe even in practice. But what happens when the tree roots grow INTO the PVC pipe. Good luck ever getting that pipe out of the ground !!!! I have six fruit trees in my backyard. But installing twelve 2 foot pieces of PVC pipe that I'll never ever be able to remove without digging it all out because the roots have so grown into the pipe....not so sure I should do this....
wrong
Can you expound?
@@ThriftyGarage While the concept makes sense, tree roots need oxygen and if you have stagnant water sitting in clay, the water becomes anaerobic and poisonous for feeder roots. Drainage is just as important.However, putting water in a pit or pot wont drain. recommending to Just water on the surface and slowly soak.
Protrees you obviously don't live in a desert area, this is the only way trees survive and grow in my 8" of rain a year climate.
@@lorrainelamb4664 Too bad you are wrong. How many trees have you grown over a 2,5,10,15 or 20 year period? Look up permaculture or the ISA
@ProTrees a commercial version of this product is specified on many modern landscape plans for installation on trees and plants.