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Correct Watering Techniques for Tall Pine, Blue Spruce and Cedar Trees During Hot Weather #764795

Asked July 30, 2021, 12:30 PM EDT

I have very 2 very tall pine trees, 1 very tall blue spruce and 3 cedar trees that are showing brown needles on several branches. I also have a Mugo pine that is also exhibiting browning needles. What is the correct and most efficient way to water these trees during this hot spell? How do I get the roots watered correctly and efficiently? What is the correct method to keep them watered if there is such a dry fall as in 2020? Thank you for your assistance! I was the 4-H Secretary at Weld County Extension in Greeley during the 90s but live in Lakewood now. So honor the resources, advice and efficient work Extension staff provides for Colorado!

Jefferson County Colorado

Expert Response

Hello fellow extension person!  Thank you for contacting us.

Hopefully we'll get some moisture here this weekend that will help our plants and trees catch up.  I am attaching the CSU Winter Watering Fact Sheet (the info also applies to summer dry spells).  In addition, I'm including a link to Denver Water that I like - it shows watering times for various methods of watering.  Trees need to be watered out to their drip line - if they're already getting some moisture from lawn irrigation they won't need quite as much.

https://extension.colostate.edu/docs/pubs/garden/07211.pdf

https://www.denverwater.org/residential/efficiency-tip/tree-care-guide

Keep an eye on them, and let us know if you have further concerns.

Thank you -

Colorado Master Gardener Clinician Annette

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