How donut-style watering bags make watering your new tree easy
Keeping your newly planted trees hydrated is critical for newly planted trees in their first one to three years (1-3 yrs). Watering bags are a simple and powerful tool that ensure slow, deep watering reaches your tree’s roots.
Let’s walk you through everything you need to know to install, fill, and maintain your watering bag like a pro.
Why Use a Donut-style Watering Bag?
How to Install the Bag
- Place the bag flat on top of the mulch ring at the base of your tree.
- Open the fill valve on top of the bag.
- Insert a hose and fill to capacity.
- Close the fill valve and walk away. That’s it!
Step-by-Step Video Tutorial
When and How Often to Fill the Bag
Follow this simple seasonal schedule for watering your trees in Pacific Northwest locations like Vancouver, BC:
- May: Fill 1x per week
- June: Fill 2x per week
- July–August (or whenever temps exceed >25°C): Fill 3x times per week
- September-April: Do NOT fill in freezing temperatures. Remove and store.
Each fill delivers water slowly over 4–6 hours, allowing deep root saturation with no runoff.
- Keep the area around the tree mulched 2"in (5 cm) deep to retain moisture. Ensure mulch is 4" in (10 cm) away from the trunk flare
- Check the bag occasionally for clogs or debris in the two (2) clear water emitters located on the underside of the bag.
FAQ: Watering Bags
Others frequently ask…-
Typically 4-7 hours, depending on conditions.
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Best results come from level placement. If sloped, build a mulch ring with a small reservoir to level the area.
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If your irrigation system delivers slow-drip or soaker watering that supplies at least 15 gallons (57 L) per week per tree, you may not need a watering bag.
Systems that spray onto foliage often fall short of deep watering and can stress young trees. For the best results, and the healthiest trees, feel free to reach out; we’re happy to help you determine the right approach.
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This can be done but it is important to understand the relationship between tree caliper size to tailor the watering budget. For more detailed instructions see here.
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No. We recommend you only use the watering bag in the Spring and Summer.
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Yes. Trees need additional watering for three (3) years after planting. This bag is durable and made to last.
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Off season storage is very straightforward:
- Empty the bag fully.
- Clean and dry thoroughly.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sun and freezing temps.
- Check for wear or cracking before the next season.
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We provide watering bags to all clients who plant a tree with us as part of the service. If you are a client or a new customer we can supply you with a bag with or without delivery for a small fee.
Finished with the bag? Let Us Know
When you no longer need the bag, reach out directly to arrange a pick up:
📞 604-737-2643
✉️ hello@arbutustree.ca
