Good question. I'm currently experimenting with different amounts of drip for my trees which are in pots. Of course these would need more than a tree that would be in the ground since potted plants drain better and dry quicker in general.

So far I've come to the conclusion that less water is better than more. I've been using about 1 to 1.5 gal per day every day on my larger trees (which are around that size), and I've seen some signs of overwatering in a couple of pots with less than good drainage.

If I had to estimate, I'd say 2 gal every 2 days would be ideal. I think giving the soil a day to dry out a bit could be benificial both to prevent root rot and to encourage the roots to spread to find more water. Perhaps some other folks have had better luck with other settings.

BTW I'm in western South Carolina so the environment is about the same.

It is very difficult to provide a comclusive answer to a question like this - there are simply too many variables to consider. And watering inground plantings must be approached differently than those in containers. You will likely need to do some testing to determine appropriate flow and frequency. Generally, it is recommended to water deeply but infrequently - this encourages the development of a deeper, more wide-spreading root system and increased drought tolerance. I'd consider using at least 3 emitters placed equi-distance around the root ball at about 6-8 inches away from the trunk. At any given watering, you want the water to percolate down at least 8 inches into the soil - deeper is better.

Thanks for the advise everyone. I know it's difficult to provide a conclusive answer but I was really looking for a 'good place to start'. I was thinking of using the tubing with the built-in emitters every 6 inches but if I have to experiment too much, that might too rigid of a way to do it. Guess I'll plan on 4 in-line emitters placed circularly around the tree and then experiment with flow rates and times.

Would you think using a watering can to water the tree and then measuring about how much water it takes to get 8-12 inches deep would be a good gauge of how much water I would need to drip would be a good test? Once I figure that out, would I need to do this every other day, once a week, or what?

I suppose that would be possible...but not really accurate since the emitters will release the water slower (unless you very slowly poured it out). You have to keep in mind that soil consistancy is really more of an issue. In bad clay it may take hours to get that deep, while in sand it would take only a few seconds.

The clay should hold the moisture longer too; therefore, overwatering becomes a bigger problem. Sand should dry out more quickly, and more frequent watering should be needed.

As for timing, I would definetely not water daily. I only do it because I have seedlings in 2 inch pots hooked to the same line that need it daily to prevent drying up. I'm guessing with our heat every other day would be best (for fairly well drained soil). For poor clay, every third day would probably be best.

Next year, you would want to lengthen that interval to twice a week or even longer intervals since the tree should be more established by then.

A new tree - I know I know!

Just kidding...

You want it to almost dry out between waterings. You're lucky in the sense that Maples like water, but you'll know if you're overdoing it if the leaves not only lose color, but also if they become 'wilty'. They'll actually hang like a dry leaf would but you'll have to distinguish the difference from a wilted dry leaf and one that is receiving too much water.

As to the 8" down or whatever, simply give it a good soaking by standing there and watching the soil get nice and saturated, and you know the rest from here.

That's how newly planted nursery stock should be cared for.

Take care!

Dax