This step-by-step guide covers how to install an irrigation kit for a tree being planted in the ground. You can watch the video version of this guide below.
A tree irrigation kit is a great and very simple piece of kit that is installed at the time of planting. It allows your tree to be watered directly at the roots, reducing water wastage and aiding establishment.
We offer two sizes of irrigation kit. Medium-sized irrigation kits are suited to trees up to 2.5 metres in height, and large-sized ones are suited to trees taller than 2.5 metres.
If you are planting your tree into a pot, you should install a container irrigation kit. Learn more by reading our guide on How to Install a Container Irrigation Kit.
What's in this guide
Equipment List
- Tree irrigation kit
- Spade & trowel
- Compost & a large container for mixing compost (such as a wheelbarrow)
- Water & watering can
- Rootgrow (optional but recommended)
- Stake & Tie (if your tree needs one)
Step 1: Prepare the planting site
Remove all weeds and grass ideally within a metre of your desired planting hole, then dig a hole the same depth as the pot or rootball and approximately twice as wide. Digging a square-shaped hole encourages roots to grow straighter and extend out of the planting hole.
Loosen the soil in the bottom of the hole, then sprinkle some Rootgrow in the hole to help the tree to grow strong and healthy roots.
Step 2: Assemble your irrigation kit
You’ll receive your irrigation kit in two parts – you’ll have one long, bendy pipe, and another straight pipe with a double attachment on one end and a cap on the other.
Attach each of the ends of the bendy pipe to the double attachment on the straight pipe to form a circle. Give them a good push to ensure they are fastened securely.
Step 3: Place the irrigation kit in the hole (adjust the pipe if needed)
Place the irrigation kit into the planting hole, circle side down. The cap should be just above the level of the ground, so it’s just poking out once your tree is planted.
The straight pipe can be shortened if you find it is much taller than the depth of the planting hole. To do this, remove the double attachment and using a pair of scissors carefully cut away a section of the pipe, replacing the cap afterwards.
Step 4: Place your tree, backfill, and water normally
After you’ve placed your irrigation kit in the planting hole, place your tree in the middle, and back fill with your planting material as usual.
Install your stake & tie and other planting essentials (such as a rabbit guard) where required, and give the base of the tree a good soaking of water using a watering can.
Step 5: Using the irrigation kit after planting
To water your tree using the irrigation kit, simply pour water through the cap until it is full, and water will be dispersed to the rootball via the holes in the bendy pipe. Make sure to continue surface watering your tree as required, particularly in periods of hot or dry weather.
You can learn more about watering trees by reading our guide on How to Water Trees Correctly.
