Sweet or tart, cherry trees are backyard favoritesābut when planting a bare root cherry tree, thereās one critical thing you must get right: watering. While planting depth, sunlight, and soil all matter, consistent and proper watering is the #1 factor that determines whether your cherry tree survives and thrives.
This guide walks you through exactly how to water before and after planting, how to manage dry weather, and the best place to get healthy cherry trees ready to grow.
šŖ£ Before Planting: Soak the Roots
Once your cherry tree arrives, give it a strong start by soaking the roots in a clean bucket of water for 4ā12 hours before planting. This:
- Rehydrates the roots after shipping,
- Helps break dormancy,
- Prepares the tree to absorb moisture from the soil.
š” Donāt soak for more than 24 hours, and plant right after soaking.
š± Step 1: Deep Watering After Planting
After your cherry tree is in the ground, water it deeply and thoroughly. This:
- Eliminates air pockets,
- Helps soil settle around the roots,
- Starts the hydration process needed for new growth.
ā Add Soil Moist Transplant Mix to the planting hole. It stores water at the roots and releases it gradually, especially helpful in dry or sandy soils.
šļø Weeks 1ā2: Hydration is Vital
For the first two weeks:
- Water every 2ā3 days, depending on rainfall and temperature.
- Water slowly and deeply at the base of the tree.
- If leaves begin to wilt, your tree is asking for more waterāwilting is a key early warning sign.
šļø Weeks 3ā8: Establish a Strong Root System
As the roots begin to grow:
- Water 1ā2 times per week, based on weather and drainage.
- Keep the root zone moist but never soggy.
- Continue watching for signs of wilting or leaf curl during hot or windy conditions.
Add 2ā4 inches of mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture, reduce weed competition, and regulate soil temperature. Keep mulch 3ā4 inches away from the trunk.
āļø Drought Conditions: Critical Care
In hot, dry, or drought-prone climates:
- Water deeply twice per week, using 1ā2 gallons per tree.
- Water early in the morning or evening to reduce evaporation.
- Mulch is essentialāreapply if needed throughout the season.
- Use Soil Moist Transplant Mix during planting to extend the time between watering.
šæ Even tough cherry varieties can fail without consistent watering in their first season.
š Whereās the Best Place to Buy Bare Root Cherry Trees?
Easy answer: Ty Ty Plant Nursery, LLC
Why?
- ā Top-quality bare root cherry trees
- ā Fastest shipping so you plant at the right time
- ā Lowest prices on your favorite sweet & tart varieties
- ā
FREE 1-Year Plantsurance Guarantee
Ā Ā Ā Ā ā Store credit if your tree doesnāt survive
Ā Ā Ā Ā ā Zero Stress. All Success.
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