Quote:
Originally Posted by Superman
I planted fifty arborvitae trees a week ago that range from 5-7' in height. One of the best ways to kill these young things is to fail to adequately water them. Starting now of course but particularly through the upcoming summer. I hope to set up an automatic system.
I intend to bring in some mulch (bark, basically) to reduce evaporation. I have hoses and timers but I do not know what type of irrigation lines to use, or what type of dribble-nozzles to use. Hoping for a solution that is cheap and easy to implement.
Please offer your thoughts and suggestions.
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Supe......
50 trees planted at 3' centers = approx. 150 linear feet, right?
So, SM was on the right track but the link he provided in his post was for QUARTER INCH Rainbird drip tubing.
What I would use is the HALF INCH size Rainbird drip tubing.
Typically available in 100' and 250' rolls.
Here is the 100' roll from HOME DEPOT:
CLICK
And the 250' roll from Amazon:
CLICK
I gave you two different vendors so you could read reviews, etc. and look at other related stuff they always show you.
For 150 liner feet you could go two different ways:
1) Serpentine the tubing so it goes in and out between each tree much like a dog running Agility weave poles. If you do this method you'll probably only use 200', or less.
2) Run two lines - one on either side of the trees - parallel to each other. Keep the tubing about 6" off the trunks. Using this method you'll need approx. 300'.
This tubing has a (drip) hole (emitter) every 12", and as Scott said the objective is just to soak the ground where your roots are. So you don't need a ton of water pressure/volume. What comes out of your garden hose would probably be plenty enough.
The tubing is held in place by ground staples. Get the ones with the round tops - not the squared off ones. They are about 6' long and you just push them into the ground about every 2' or so....maybe even longer depending on your layout.
The tubing comes wrapped in saran wrap. Leave the wrap on and when you install the tubing walk backwards while unrolling the tubing while holding with your hands in the center so it unrolls itself out of the wrap, so it doesn't get twisted. You do not want any kinks!
If you need to connect two sections they make couplers. You can push these on but it helps if you have warmer weather so the tubing isn't rock hard and stiff. I never used hose clamps but some folks do.
At the end of the tubing when you want to close it off simply fold the tubing over about 6" from the end and tape it closed with Gorilla Tape.
If you have an irrigation supply house nearby, you could buy everything you need there and save money as well as get questions answered.
You could also go to You tube and do a "Rainbird drip tubing" search and find probably all kinds of info.
I've used this stuff for many many years with great success and for your application it's the perfect choice.
After the drip tubing is installed, a layer of mulch on top would also really help with conserving water and also weed management.
I have a ton of photos from previous projects I used this on but doubt you need any.
I didn't go into timers but nowadays they make all kinds that make life easier. Happy to provide my take on that iof you want - just let me know what water source you are using. If it's a hose bib just get a battery operated one like this:
CLICK
Water every day for 1 hour maybe and see if that's enough.....
HTH and good luck, brother!