bonsaiTALK Community - View Single Post - Whats Better, Little and Often or Loads Infrequently?

The problem with small amounts of water are many.

Watering more shallowly seems like it would produce a more shallow root system, but that might not happen. If the smaller amount of water does not meet the requirements of the tree, then the tree will start to send roots downwards in order to supplement the amount of water it got from the surface.

Also, watering less is not the best for a tree physiologically. With only a shallow root mass, the tree is less able to deal with situations of high stress such as intense heat, draught, or even flooding for that matter. The whole purpose of growing the tree in the ground is for it to grow very strong, and if you don't water deeply then you are limiting its ability to grow strong.

1-Dec-2006	#10
soonami bonsaiTALK Master Chief Join Date: Oct-2005 Location: Philadelphia Country: USA USDA Zone: 7 AHS Heat Zone: 6 Posts: 1,044	The problem with small amounts of water are many. Watering more shallowly seems like it would produce a more shallow root system, but that might not happen. If the smaller amount of water does not meet the requirements of the tree, then the tree will start to send roots downwards in order to supplement the amount of water it got from the surface. Also, watering less is not the best for a tree physiologically. With only a shallow root mass, the tree is less able to deal with situations of high stress such as intense heat, draught, or even flooding for that matter. The whole purpose of growing the tree in the ground is for it to grow very strong, and if you don't water deeply then you are limiting its ability to grow strong.