How to Water Grapefruit Trees

The exterior and interior of a grapefruit.

Proper irrigation of grapefruit trees is an important part of keeping your citrus plant healthy. According to AgriLife Extension Texas A&M System, too little or too much water may stunt optimum growth and production. For vigorous, healthy grapefruit trees, understanding how to water appropriately depends on understanding the conditions necessary for maintaining thriving grapefruit trees. With proper soil type, drainage, physical arrangements, water measurements, and irrigation frequency, watering your grapefruit trees successfully will lead to consistent growth and health.

Things You'll Need

• Small, 2-inch-deep cans
• Wire mesh
• Emitters
• Bubblers
• Dike materials

Instructions

1. Make sure your grapefruit tree is living in optimal soil conditions. According to AgriLife Extension, citrus trees need deep soil with functional internal and surface drainage systems so that water is able to reach the tree's roots and water left above the surface of the soil can successfully roll off without creating an area of standing water. Additionally, soil pH ranges from 6 to 8 are best for citrus plants. To water grapefruit trees effectively, success is dependent on good soil.

2. Build a watering ring for young grapefruit trees. Build up the soil in a ring formation just wider than the planting hole; create the ring so that it measures 5 to 6 inches in height and 6 to 8 inches in thickness. For freshly planted grapefruit trees, feel free to use soil other than the soil used to plant the tree if there is not a sufficient amount for a watering ring. The area within the watering ring is your basin; fill the basin with water and allow the water to soak into the soil. The AgriLife Extension suggests watering newly planted citrus trees thoroughly by filling the water ring two to three times the first week and one to two times per week the following three weeks; adjust frequency according to rainfall and season. In the fifth week, begin watering when the top 1 inch of soil is dry. The watering ring will naturally disappear through erosion within four to six months at which time the tree is considered mature and may be watered accordingly.

3. Build a basin or use emitters or bubblers for mature and established trees. According to the University of Arizona College of Agriculture, you may construct a water basin for your grapefruit tree by erecting a 4- to 8-inch tall dike slightly larger than the circumference of the tree's canopy to encompass the width of the roots. If you prefer using emitters or bubblers, place them around the base of the tree; use two to six emitters or one to two bubblers. Remember that as the tree grows, additional emitters or bubblers will be needed for increased watering.

4. Set up an irrigation schedule for mature and established trees. According to the AgriLife Extension, using a homemade measuring system will allow you to accurately determine the water needs of your grapefruit tree on an as-needed basis throughout the year. Since weather conditions change, so do the irrigation needs of your grapefruit tree. For the measurement system, cover two 2-inch-tall cans (such as tuna cans) with wire mesh; fill the cans with water immediately after a heavy rainfall or after thoroughly irrigating your tree to determine the next time your tree needs water. Place the cans outside where they will be exposed to natural elements. AgriLife Extension explains that when the water evaporates and the cans are dry, it is time to water your grapefruit tree. Irrigate with 1 1/2 inches of water from mid-April through mid-September; for all other months, irrigate with 1 inch of water.

References

• AgriLife Extension Texas A&M System: Home Fruit Production - Citrus; Julian W. Sauls, Extension Horticulturist
• University of Arizona College of Agriculture: Irrigating Citrus Trees; Issued: Glenn C. Wright Associate Specialist