Knowing how to water an orchard is one of the most important parts of establishing healthy fruit trees. Young apple and plum trees need consistent moisture to develop strong root systems, but delivering water efficiently can be challenging when an orchard is located far from a convenient water source. After planting a new orchard on my farm, I needed a practical solution that would allow me to provide deep watering without running irrigation lines or hauling countless small containers.

Small water containers would technically do the job. But the fact that I’ve surrounded each tree with 6-foot mesh wire fencing (to protect against the abundant deer in my area) means that getting the water to the roots of the trees would require removing and reinstalling the wire every time. That’s neither practical nor time-efficient.

Key Takeaways

• Learning how to water an orchard efficiently is essential for establishing healthy young fruit trees.
• A portable leg tank can make orchard watering easier when irrigation lines or hoses aren’t practical.
• Slow, gravity-fed watering allows moisture to soak into the soil without causing erosion or runoff.
• Deep watering encourages trees to develop strong root systems.
• Transporting water in a tank can save time compared to carrying multiple small containers.

A Simple Solution for Watering an Orchard

For these reasons, I purchased a 35-gallon polyethylene leg tank, along with an adapter for the water outlet so I can attach a short hose.

The advantages are convincing. It holds enough water to care for all my trees, while it’s also lightweight and easy to handle. When I’m ready to water my trees, I simply place the tank in my red wagon and pull it around with a lawnmower. I stop at each tree to guide the hose through the mesh wire and easily deliver 3 to 4 gallons to the tree.

The tank itself is semi-transparent. I can judge the water level thanks to a gauge printed on one side, marking the capacity in five-gallon increments.

Why Slow, Deep Watering Benefits Orchard Trees

Some people might be disappointed by the slow flow rates offered by a tank like this. It’s not a pressure tank and it doesn’t have a pump, so water is dispersed by gravity only.

However, I’m pleased that the tank disperses water at a modest rate. That means I can water my trees without worrying about a harsh jet of water disturbing the soil or delivering moisture at a faster rate than the ground can absorb.

Of course, the gravity feed also means the end of the hose must stay lower than the tank in order for water to flow. This hasn’t been much of an issue for me because the tank is in my trailer. I’m just watering trees at ground level.

That said, the trees are planted on a mild slope. So I do have to approach on the high side rather than the low side, just to give the tank a little helping hand. I also keep a concrete block in my trailer so that when the tank is almost empty, I can prop up the back end to help the water flow toward the outlet.

But to put it simply, I’m thrilled with how my leg tank has performed so far. Watering my trees couldn’t be simpler. I just drive around and turn a hose on and off. If you have a similar need for transporting water across your farm, I encourage you to check out this option.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you water a new orchard?

Newly planted fruit trees typically need regular watering during their first growing season. The exact frequency depends on rainfall, soil type and weather conditions, but the goal is to keep the root zone consistently moist without becoming waterlogged.

What is the best way to water an orchard without irrigation?

A portable water tank, wagon tank or other mobile watering system can be an effective solution when irrigation lines aren’t available. These systems allow growers to deliver water directly to each tree as needed.

Is slow watering better for fruit trees?

Yes. Slow watering gives the soil time to absorb moisture and reduces runoff. It also helps ensure water reaches the tree’s root zone where it is most beneficial.

How much water do young orchard trees need?

Water requirements vary by species, climate and soil conditions, but young fruit trees generally benefit from deep watering that encourages roots to grow downward rather than remaining near the surface.

Final Thoughts on How to Water an Orchard

Finding an effective way to water an orchard doesn’t have to involve expensive irrigation systems or complicated equipment. For my small orchard, a portable leg tank has proven to be a simple and practical solution that delivers water exactly where it’s needed. Whether you’re planting a handful of fruit trees or establishing a larger orchard, the key is providing consistent, deep watering that supports healthy root development and long-term tree growth.

This article on how to water an orchard was written for Hobby Farms magazine. Click here to subscribe.