Treegators and Ooze Tubes
Before I go into detail about these two tree-watering systems, both systems can dramatically reduce the hand watering costs during the summer season, especially in under-irrigated areas.
Grower’s Solution sells two different size Treegators. They are perfect for the newly transplanted tree, shrub, and evergreen.
The Treegator Junior Pro Drip Irrigation is designed to fit under plantings beginning 6” from the ground and higher. The Junior Pro is a 15 gal. irrigation bag, which will need to be filled at least 1-2 times per week, weather depending. A single bag waters in 5-8 hours without run-off, delivering a deep-water saturation with every application.
It also promotes deep root growth. The Junior Pro can handle trees and shrubs with a diameter of up to 6 inches, primarily new plantings. I recommend using this system on level surfaces or properly built mulch piles to allow sufficient drainage and water absorption. The irrigation helps reduce transplant and drought shock. It is quick and easy: Set-up, fill, and walk away.
The Original Treegator Drip Irrigation is designed to be used on plantings with branches beginning at least 30” from the ground. The OG drip is a 20 gal. irrigation bag, which will need to be filled at least 1-2 times per week, weather depending. A single bag waters within 5-9 hours without run-off, delivering a deep-water saturation with every application. It also promotes deep root growth. The Original allows you to zip multiple bags together to boost the water capacity. The Original single bag can handle trees and shrubs with a 1-4” diameter. A double bag set up can handle up to an 8” diameter. The irrigation helps reduce transplant and drought shock. It is quick and easy: Set-up, fill, and walk away. The Original Treegator comes with a 2-year warranty from the manufacturer.
Grower’s Solution sells two different size Ooze Tubes. They are perfect for the more established trees and shrubs.
The 25 gallon Drip Irrigation Ooze Tube fits any tree, multi-stem, conifer… You name it. It is quick and easy: Set-up, fill, and walk away. The Ooze Tube comes with 4 water emitters that can be placed where you need them. The Ooze Tube can water a 3″ caliper tree/shrub for up to 3 weeks. It can handle up to a 5″ caliper tree/shrub when all 4 emitters are being used. Fill the tube every 10 days, weather depending. The Ooze Tube allows for air circulation which helps to prevent the formation of mildew and stem discoloration. Larger trees do not require multiple tubes. Grower’s Solution also sells a 45 gallon Drip Irrigation Ooze Tube.
The engineers of Ooze Tube explain their principle of the tree watering system affectionately named Parabolic Water Weaning.
From your tree’s perspective, it “thinks” it is getting rain as shown in the graph shown above. During the first few days, the Ooze TubeTM gives the tree an abundant amount of water. This recharges the tree’s energy reserves. At some point, the tree starts to notice that its abundant water supply is being gradually reduced. From a position of optimum energy, the tree starts sending out feeder roots, looking for more. Towards the end of the cycle, the tree may start to show some signs of stress. During this time, it is still aggressively sending roots, attempting to survive. Your goal is to refill the Ooze TubeTM to recharge the tree’s energy reserves, before it “runs out of gas.”
