About Tree Watering Bags
Tree watering bags are used to apply drip irrigation to young, newly-planted trees. The bags are made from strong, durable materials and typically hold between 15 and 45 gallons of water when full. The water is released slowly to maintain consistent moisture in the soil surrounding the tree’s developing root system. Whether you have a single new tree in your home landscape or are managing a large planting on a public or commercial property, tree watering bags are excellent tools for making sure your trees get adequate water, without the daily hassle of a hose or watering can.
Background
In most cases, the containerized root balls of seedling trees do not readily absorb moisture from the surrounding native soil. Indeed, until a seedling’s roots have had a chance to grow into the new landscape, it obtains nearly all its moisture from water applied directly to its root ball. A water bag affixed around a seedling’s trunk is able to apply the moisture exactly where it’s needed, onto the seedling’s root ball directly below. After a season or more of consistent water via a bag, the seedling’s roots are well-established and able to draw moisture from a wider area.
A number of tree watering bags are commercially available. Two of the most popular are briefly introduced below.
Treegator Watering Bags
Treegator watering bags are available in two models. The Treegator Original model slow-release watering bag is an upright drip irrigation system that is affixed around the lower 30 inches of a young tree’s trunk with a zipper. It carries about 15 gallons of water when full. Each bag is designed for trees with trunks of up to three inches in diameter. Larger trees can be watered by connecting two bags together. The second model, the Treegator Junior Pro, is a doughnut-shaped watering bag designed for low-branching trees and shrubs.
Ooze Tube Watering Bags
Ooze Tube watering bags are somewhat larger than the Treegator, coming in 25-, 35-, and 45-gallon sizes. They have a large doughnut shape. Unlike the Treegator, Ooze Tubes can be outfitted with one to four drip mechanisms for regulation of water flow depending on the size of the tree. Ooze Tubes are suited to trees with two- to five-inch diameter trunks.
