How much Water does an Oak tree need per day?

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Tony alony
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How much Water does an Oak tree need per day?

Post by Tony alony » July 13th, 2016, 5:31 pm

I have the obligatory two oak trees on my lawn due to the Harris County, Texas new developement mandate.
How much water will these young trees draw from the soil? Here in Texas we are experiencing a mini drought. The excess rain we had last month is long gone. I am now experiencing near drought conditions from high temperatures...No rain for the last couple of weeks.
These are young trees; less than for 4 years old from transplant. So, my question is; could my tree be taking all, or most of the water I apply to the lawn? We are in +90*F temps every day.
What should I be doing to help the lawn and the trees? Theoretically, mature oaks draw up to 50 gallons of water a day. What about young trees...? On average, how much water do you use on your lawn if you have trees? Just curious".
Thanks for any replies.

Tony alony
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Re: How much Water does an Oak tree need per day?

Post by Tony alony » July 13th, 2016, 5:56 pm

On a side note: a question to all Professional Turfgrass Manangers. Are the water needs of trees a consideration in professional Turfgrass management? Golf courses, commercial, institutional, etc., even a consideration?
Thanks for any replies.

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nclawnguy
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Re: How much Water does an Oak tree need per day?

Post by nclawnguy » July 16th, 2016, 1:47 pm

Hard to say, it can vary by environment. New tree transplants need a deep watering weekly or more the 1st year or 2 depending on the weather and location of the tree.

Trees in the ground for 4 years, I wouldn't consider these babies. Probably pretty established by now. Do they look healthy, any signs of drought stress? I usually baby my new trees for a couple years then let nature take over. Never lost a tree doing this.

If it's been a prolonged dry spell, you can water them by putting the hose at the base of the trees and let the water flow for a few minutes.

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guisertj
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Re: How much Water does an Oak tree need per day?

Post by guisertj » September 23rd, 2016, 9:22 pm

Heard once that for every inch of caliber the tree is it needs 28 gallons per week.

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Tony alony
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Re: How much Water does an Oak tree need per day?

Post by Tony alony » September 25th, 2016, 12:24 pm

guisertj wrote:Heard once that for every inch of caliber the tree is it needs 28 gallons per week.

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Thanks guisert. I'll do a little research to see if That's true.


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andy10917
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Re: How much Water does an Oak tree need per day?

Post by andy10917 » September 25th, 2016, 12:35 pm

Theoretically, mature oaks draw up to 50 gallons of water a day.
Not even close with that number - it's much higher.
and a large oak tree can transpire 40,000 gallons (151,000 liters) per year
USGS Transpiration Data

Tony alony
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Re: How much Water does an Oak tree need per day?

Post by Tony alony » September 25th, 2016, 7:55 pm

(Whistle)... Thanks Andy. I guess I'll have to sell this house and buy a different one. :blackeye:

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crabgrass
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Re: How much Water does an Oak tree need per day?

Post by crabgrass » September 25th, 2016, 9:43 pm

How much you got? LOL

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LoneRanger
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Re: How much Water does an Oak tree need per day?

Post by LoneRanger » September 26th, 2016, 12:56 pm

So that's where all the world's water is going. Poof! Up in .. sweat?

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