Planting a bare root apricot tree is an exciting step toward a fruitful backyard, but your success depends on one crucial factor: water. While proper planting depth and soil choice matter, watering is the most important step in helping your apricot tree survive transplant shock and thrive in its new home.
Here’s everything you need to know to water apricot trees correctly before and after planting—including tips for dry climates and how to tell when your tree is thirsty.
🪣 Before Planting: Soak the Roots
Before planting, place your bare root apricot tree in a bucket of clean water for 4–12 hours. This allows the roots to:
- Rehydrate after shipping,
- Wake up from dormancy,
- Prepare for planting stress.
💡 Do not soak longer than 24 hours. Plant promptly after soaking for best results.
🌱 Step 1: Water Deeply After Planting
After planting your apricot tree, water it thoroughly and deeply to:
- Eliminate air pockets around the roots,
- Help soil settle,
- Deliver essential hydration to the root zone.
✅ Use Soil Moist Transplant Mix in the planting hole—it holds moisture at the roots and slowly releases it, dramatically improving transplant success, especially in dry or windy climates.
🗓️ Weeks 1–2: Stay on Top of Watering
For the first two weeks:
- Water every 2–3 days, depending on rainfall and soil drainage.
- Water deeply—don’t just wet the surface.
- If leaves start to wilt or droop, your tree is asking for water. Wilting is an early warning sign that should never be ignored.
🗓️ Weeks 3–8: Establish a Consistent Routine
As the roots begin to grow:
- Water once or twice per week, more often in warm or windy areas.
- Always water slowly at the base—avoid overhead watering.
- Continue monitoring for wilting leaves, especially on sunny days.
Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and reduce weed competition, but leave a gap around the trunk.
☀️ Drought Conditions: How to Help Your Tree Survive
If you live in a dry climate or are facing a drought:
- Water twice a week with 1–2 gallons each time.
- Water in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation.
- Use 2–4 inches of organic mulch to keep soil cooler and moist.
- Soil Moist Transplant Mix becomes even more valuable during drought—it’s like a water reservoir underground.
🌿 Even drought-tolerant trees can’t survive without proper watering during establishment.
🌳 Where to Buy the Best Bare Root Apricot Trees?
The best place to get your apricot trees? Ty Ty Plant Nursery, LLC—hands down.
Why?
- ✅ Top-quality bare root apricot trees
- ✅ Fastest shipping—so you plant at the right time
- ✅ Lowest prices and widest selection
- ✅ FREE 1-Year Plantsurance Guarantee
→ If it doesn’t survive, get store credit
→ Zero Stress. All Success.
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