How to Design Drip Irrigation for Trees

Drip irrigation systems work well in landscaped beds and gardens where young trees and fruit-bearing trees grow. An irrigation system can be easily installed in an afternoon. As your trees grow, you'll need to modify the system to meet changing water needs. With drip irrigation you can turn the system on and off to provide adequate water without having to manually water the tree yourself. Drip irrigation directs water to the tree's root system, using your water more efficiently and reducing waste.

Things You'll Need

• Drip irrigation tubing
• Small garden stakes
• Pocket knife

Instructions

1. Estimate the size of your tree as this dictates the irrigation rate to use. A 5-foot tall tree needs two 1-gallon emitters, according to horticulturists at Colorado State University. When this tree grows to 15 feet, it will need two 4-gallon emitters.

2. Purchase the appropriate emitters from a garden center. The packaged emitters will have a flow rate in gallons per hour so you can find the correct emitter.

3. Plan the irrigation design including where to place the tubing and what other plants and trees will share irrigation lines. You can hide the tubing with a light layer of mulch, but do not submerge it.

4. Hook the drip irrigation tubing to an outdoor faucet like you would attach a hose. Run the tubing over to the tree in the pattern you planned. Do not run the irrigation line right up to the base of the tree; instead, place it 12 inches away. Do not stake it down yet. Review the drip irrigation layout first to make sure you are satisfied.

5. Stake the tubing down using small metal stakes. Cover any parts of the tubing that do not need emitters.

6. Use a small knife to poke a hole in the irrigation. Plug the hole with the emitter. Drip irrigation kits usually come with plastic punch tools designed for this task so use the punch if one is included.

7. Install all emitters in this fashion. Test the system to ensure proper functioning.

Tips & Warnings

• Install the emitters 12 inches from the base of the tree for a tree 12 feet or less in height. Larger trees require the irrigation to be placed 2 feet from the tree trunk, according to the University of Colorado's irrigation fact sheet.

• Plug any accidental holes with an irrigation plug, available wherever you purchased your drip irrigation system.

References

• Colorado State University Extension: Drip Irrigation
• Drip Irrigation: Emitters
• Utah State: Efficient Irrigation of Trees