Certified Arborist Practice Exam

According to arboriculture practices, is it better to water shallow and more frequently?

1. True

2. False

The correct answer is: False

In arboriculture, it is considered better to water deeply and less frequently rather than shallowly and more often. This practice encourages deeper root growth, promoting healthier and more resilient trees. When water is applied shallowly, it tends to saturate only the upper layer of soil, leading the roots to remain near the surface where they are more vulnerable to stress, drought, and competition from weeds. On the other hand, deeper watering encourages roots to grow down into the soil, accessing moisture and nutrients from deeper layers and helping the tree to better withstand periods of drought and promote overall vigor. Additionally, watering less frequently allows the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions, which also encourages healthier root development.