How Often Should I Water My Trees in the East Valley?
A season-by-season tree watering guide for East Valley yards, from Family Tree Trimming in Apache Junction. Call or text (480) 340-7907.
Quick answer: Water trees deeply and less often, not a little every day. In the East Valley, established trees on drip are commonly watered about every 1 to 2 weeks in summer and every 3 to 4 weeks or less in winter, with each watering soaking the soil around 2 to 3 feet deep. Young trees need water more often while they get established. Desert-adapted trees like mesquite and palo verde need less once established, and non-desert trees and citrus need more.
Watering is where most East Valley trees go wrong. Too little in July and a tree stresses and drops leaves. Too much, too often, and roots stay shallow, which is a big reason trees blow over in monsoon storms. Here is a practical guide for yards in Apache Junction, Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek and San Tan Valley.
Deep and infrequent is the rule
Tree roots that do the work are spread out wide and go down deep. A short daily drip cycle only wets the top few inches, so roots stay near the surface. A long, slow watering every so often soaks the soil deeply and trains roots to grow down. A simple way to check is to push a long screwdriver or soil probe into the ground a few hours after watering. It slides easily through moist soil and stops where the soil is dry.
A general schedule by season
- Summer (May to September): the most water. Established trees often need water every 1 to 2 weeks, desert trees on the less frequent end.
- Spring and fall: stretch the time between waterings as temperatures drop.
- Winter: trees use much less. Many established trees only need water every 3 to 4 weeks or less, especially after rain.
- Monsoon season: skip a cycle after a good soaking rain.
Local water providers and Arizona's water-saving programs publish detailed landscape watering guides that are worth checking for your tree types.
Young vs. established trees
A newly planted tree has a small root ball and needs water more often, then gradually less over its first couple of years as roots spread. Once established, most desert trees can handle longer gaps between waterings.
Put the water in the right place
Emitters right against the trunk do not reach the roots that matter. As a tree grows, move or add emitters out toward the edge of the canopy, called the drip line. A tree that has grown for years on the same two emitters at the trunk is probably underwatered and shallow-rooted.
Signs of a watering problem
- Too little: wilting, leaf scorch on the edges, early leaf drop, dieback at the top
- Too much: yellowing leaves, soggy soil, mushrooms or algae, a tree that leans or rocks in the wind
Some symptoms look alike, so check the soil before changing anything. A leaking drip line can also cause soggy spots. See irrigation and our FAQ on changing your irrigation schedule in winter.
Watering and trimming go together
A tree with deep roots and a thinned canopy stands up to monsoon winds far better than a dense tree with shallow roots. See tree trimming and getting trees ready for monsoon season.
Help with trees and irrigation
Family Tree Trimming handles tree trimming, tree removal and irrigation repair across the East Valley. See irrigation repair in Mesa, Gilbert and tree trimming in Apache Junction.
Common questions
Should I water trees and lawn on the same valve?
Ideally no. Trees need longer, less frequent watering than grass, so separate valves let each get the right schedule.
How long should a drip cycle run for a tree?
Long enough to soak the soil deeply, which depends on the emitters and soil. Probe the soil after watering to check how deep the water went.
Can you check my drip system?
Yes. Call or text (480) 340-7907 to have Family Tree Trimming look at your irrigation.
Get help with your trees and irrigation
Family Tree Trimming LLC is owned and run by Cody in Apache Junction, handling tree trimming, tree removal, irrigation, landscaping and lawn care across Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Gold Canyon, Fountain Hills and the East Valley. Call or text (480) 340-7907 or use the contact page for a quote.
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