ᐅ Drought Year 2020 – Is Artificial Irrigation Necessary?

Created on: 26 Apr 2020 12:29
T
tucana1
Hello everyone,

Last year, we purchased a plot of land in North Rhine-Westphalia.

On the property, we have two cherry trees, one apple tree, and one pear tree. All the trees bear fruit and, according to the previous owner, are approximately 15 to 20 years old.

Since it hasn’t rained for weeks, we are concerned that the cherry harvest might be smaller than usual. The cherry trees are blooming, but the fruit development has only just started.

Should we provide artificial irrigation, or do the trees draw enough water from the soil? According to our neighbors, who all have wells, the groundwater level is currently about 5 to 6 meters (16 to 20 feet) below the surface.

Two blossoming fruit trees with white flowers in front of a carport; red wagon, blue sky.
H
haydee
26 Apr 2020 21:00
When watering, do a lot at once. Holding the hose for a short time every day doesn’t help.
It should still be enough for now.

Last year, we watered the old apple tree 3 or 4 times. However, that was the second extreme summer in a row. Drought is nothing new here, but the heat is.

Following the advice of an experienced man from the gardening club, we cleared the area around the tree trunk and are now gradually mulching it thinly with grass clippings.