Deep but infrequent watering is best for young trees.

Once established, most trees will not need a lot of supplemental irrigation, depending on weather conditions and the tree's appropriateness for the Caribbean climate. Trees develop shallow, spreading root systems, in the top of soil and have a few deep or 'tap' roots.

To water new trees, create a wide but shallow 'moat' around the trunk, a good meter away from the trunk, by digging out a 'ring' of earth.

keep water away from trunk

You can fill this area with water, and it will slowly seep in right where the roots need it. The goal is to keep water away from the trunk to discourage disease.

Remember this golden rule: deep but infrequent irrigation is preferable to frequent, shallow sprinklings, which do more harm than good.

For young trees, the soil should be moist to a depth of at least one metre, preferably a little deeper.

To determine how far water has penetrated, poke a soil probe (a long metal rod or screwdriver) into the soil. It will move easily through moist soil, stopping abruptly where soil is dry.

As trees mature, expand the watering zone beyond the tree's canopy (or drip line), which is where roots are actively growing.