Fruit tree needs very little water. Mature fruit consists of about 85% of water. Water is an important component and helps trees bear good fruits. There are various factors on which the amount of water depends. When fruit trees are loaded with fruits they need to have an adequate supply of water. Similarly during the cold season it is very important that you use some water which would help save the trees from the killing frost.
Carefully irrigating fruit trees at various stages of their growth is very important. The trees grow best and have a healthy produce if you irrigate them appropriately. Newly planted trees need less water as compared to the mature trees. However, they need to be irrigated more often. There is a possibility of plants being stunted if water is applied inadequately. Careful irrigation of young trees helps in development of deep and extensive root system.
So how much do you really need to water the fruit tree. Simply sprinkling the surface is not enough; the soil should be wet two to three feet deep. Another deciding factor is the type of soil and depth. Clay soils do not need frequent irrigation but require more water to wet the soil deeply. Sandy soils would need to have frequent irrigation as the soil is unable to retain moisture well.
Generally, fruit trees growing in sandy soil require water only every 10 to 15 days. Those in clay loam soil need water only every 15 to 20 days. During summers you need to water at shorter intervals, while in cooler weather you need to do it at longer intervals.
Fruit trees produce best if you irrigate them deeply and several times a season. Rather than applying water near the base of the tree, it is beneficial to make a basin under the tree. Just fill it up with water every 10 to 20 days. Another important point to remember is to protect fruit tree from frost. Before the first frost water your fruit trees repeatedly so that they do not dehydrate.
Dehydration may eventually lead to winter burn of trees. If you spread mulch around fruit tree driplines, it would slow moisture loss from soil as well as insulate against sudden temperature changes. Spraying fruit trees with a continuous mist of water prepares them for spring freeze. Moreover when water changes from liquid to solid it releases energy which in turn helps warm plants.
A few other factors to be considered when you water your fruit trees is the size of the tree, their growth rate and root depth. Deep root system ensures efficient use of water. To encourage deep root growth apply an inch of water just once or twice a week rather than every day. Quite a few fruit trees like apricots, figs, grapes, peaches, pomegranates require less water once established.
Fruit trees are a better choice. They offer you better returns, being a source of fresh, healthy organic fruit with a steady supply for a major part of the year. You may even be able to use fruits like lemon as a great source for flavored water during summers. Fruit trees need very little water and are a great choice in your very own garden.