Expert: Jim Hyland - 5/10/2010

Question
I recently planted some Emerald Green Arborvitae in my front yard. Should I install PVC pipe down to the bottom of the roots to direct the water flow to insure the direction of the roots.

Answer
No I would just water the tree--place a pan under the tree and turn the sprinkler on and when the pan has 1 inch of water in it stop. Do this every third day for the first month and then once a week through the growing season IF it does not rain good that week. The tap of trees grow down under the trunk and search out water it will do it thing without help of the PVC pipe.