How2Day: Water Requirements for a Peach Tree

Peach trees require frequent watering. Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
Peach trees, like most fruit trees, require significant amounts of water. On average, an adult peach tree needs a minimum of 36 inches of water per year. During the hottest months, a mature tree might need up to 40 gallons of water per day from irrigation and other sources.

In humid climates rainfall supplies much of a peach tree's water needs, particularly where the soil is clay or loam, which retain moisture well. Sandy soil drains quickly, storing less than half the amount of water stored by heavier soils. Peach trees have shallow root systems that cannot access water deep in sandy soil. If rainfall is inconsistent or sparse, the tree will begin to suffer drought stress. If you are unsure of your soil type, contact your local extension service for information on soil testing.

In climates where rainfall is insufficient or soil doesn't retain enough moisture, drip irrigation is an effective solution. Water with a pH between 5.5 and 8 and a low salt content is ideal for peach trees. A drip emitter will water up to a 5-foot radius in clay soil, a 4-foot radius in loam and less than a 3-foot radius in sand. With approximately 90-percent efficiency, drip irrigation loses less moisture to evaporation than other forms of watering, making it an environmentally sound choice.

Sprinkler irrigation is commonly used for sandy soils even though its 75-percent efficiency rate is lower than that of drip irrigation. Sprinkler irrigation provides more surface coverage, mitigating the water loss from sandy soil drainage. Peach trees should be watered to a depth of 60cm. The frequency and duration of watering needs vary from day to day, depending on factors such as temperature, wind and cloud cover.

How2Day