So it is better to prune the fig tree roots close to these infrastructures. It can sometimes work to your advantage that if you fear your garden will eventually outgrow your tree, encouraging early fruiting is an effective way to keep it under control. Using precocious rootstocks or other techniques can help these varieties to be more successful at fruiting earlier. Fig tree roots also need a significant amount of oxygen, water, and nutrients. Keep pot-grown plants well-watered and feed weekly with tomato food once fruits start appearing. The smaller fig trees do not have roots that are very invasive in nature. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. Edible fig tree contains Potassium (K), Iron (Fe), and fiber. During hot weather or dry weather, it may be difficult or impossible for a project to go forward. Bare root plants can be kept for up to two weeks before planting. But the deepness of the fig tree roots depends on the amount of oxygen, water, and nutrients they are getting. With some trial and error, I learned that the best way to make sure food was fresh was to grow it myself. He's very knowledgeable. This is due to the shallow root systems that spread horizontally just under the surface. Fig trees may also be planted in pots to keep the growth of roots structured and non-invasive. The roots must be inserted into the pot where each cutting will be inserted. Cut at an angle and choose a branch that is a few years old and about eight to 12 inches long. Keep in mind that its important to examine your figs first before picking because they dont ripen off the tree. The pot and all the extra soil must be purchased separately in addition to bare root. Close to 80% of the roots are in the first 2 feet of soil. Is email scraping still a thing for spammers, Retrieve the current price of a ERC20 token from uniswap v2 router using web3js. This page was generated at 01:05 PM. They can harm objects by spreading their roots far and wide, causing them to fall. It's best to grow them facing the south or southwest . Fig trees that are planted on acidic and moist soil tend to have more invasive roots than other fig trees. If you grow them next to a cement or cinderblock wall, it might not be a good idea, because the roots can break them. They were dug up from growing fields and shipped with their roots removed from the soil to nurseries so that the plants would not be affected by it. The tree trunk on the bottom was 54 inches in diameter. I dig 12" around and find no roots - so I guess now I have to dig deeper. This fruit-bearing tree is an Ficus carica (fig tree). Lets discuss some of the fig tree roots and see if they are invasive or not. Water soaked for more than 24 hours can starve your roots of oxygen, rendering them permanently damaged. See. When starting fruiting on low-vigour rootstocks such as M27, G65, M9, Bud. So I would be more careful where you live than I would living somewhere with cold winters like new england. Of course, people here talk about laying stones/bricks in the hole before planting to contain the roots. I've seen various ficus planted near houses, such as the fiddle leaf or rubber tree (Ficus lyrata and Ficus elastica respectively) and I shudder as those trees can get big! Today, I'm learning everything about livestock, food forests, and self-sufficiency. Thanks! So now there are pots next to the house, and in ground trees about 5 feet away. 2. When youre planting Fig Trees in a container, transfer the plant from its shipped container to a new pot. Fig tree roots generally can spread up to fifty feet wide on the ground. If a fig tree root is planted in a pot, the fig tree roots can spread as far as the length of the pot. Regular fig tree Pruning keeps your tree in check and allows it to grow properly in a location that is suitable for it. However, Fig Trees generally need around 1 to 1.5 inches of water each week, either from irrigation or rain. Invasive tree roots can cause damage to paving, retaining walls, driveways, drains and a building's foundations. There is a lower cost. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. The spread of your tree will be aided by the growth of new roots from the trunks base and along its circumference over time. I'm planning on keeping the trees pruned to 8-10 feet, so now I'm thinking I might put them 4-6 feet from the house--which is in the side yard. If it was my house and my fig tree, I would plant it 18-24 from the south wall. I get down 9-12 inches. This indirectly causes damage by contributing to the depletion of soil moisture which can cause the foundation to recede into the ground. How to Simplify expression into partial Trignometric form? However, if you are growing them from potted trees, they may take a year or two longer. Dip cuttings into a rooting hormone. Brown turkey fig tree has invasive roots that are also shallow. I'm very skeptical that oak are different. Make certain that your plant is properly watered. Doubt regarding cyclic group of prime power order, The number of distinct words in a sentence. It will also ensure that the plant has enough space to grow and find sufficient nutrients in the soil. The ability to withstand certain diseases and pests varies from tree to tree. Turns out.right where I was going to plant the trees next to the house. Temperature-wise, there's a reason it's referred to as a hardy fig! But it can certainly damage the sewage system of your house. All times are GMT-5. Stay in the loop. Its best to split the feeding over several months though, which ensures your trees dont get too much nitrogen at one time. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? At this distance, your house will be free of excessive leaf drops as a result of extended branches in your building, and you will enjoy the breeze from an ideal distance. If left unchecked, a fig trees roots can cause damage to sidewalks, driveways, and walls. @bstpierre - Oh I took care of the shade already :). Seems a bit risky. The black fig tree is another variety of edible fig trees. He shows that the more likely case why theyre attracted to the pipes is that they generally have looser ground, which allows for more air and space for root growth. Furthermore, bare-root plants are less expensive to grow than containerized plants if you dont mind venturing out into the garden during the winter to plant them. After a decade of health issues, I found the only thing I needed was to eat fresh food. Several large crabapple trees will produce fruit and flowers in their first year after planting. Without fertilizer, a common fig tree will never grow faster than this. Large trees have an even more significant substructure: primary roots that are perennial and secondary roots that grow in waves as the canopy is expanding. You can plant the fig trees in the outer yard of the house. I even found studies with fig tree roots found 50 mts (around 150 ft) so with all this conflicting information it seems to be a hit or miss. A bare root fig tree is a tree that is grown without soil. The tree will need to be transplanted to a new location every few years as it grows. Almost all Ficus tree species have invasive roots. Your tree will quickly spread, and your roots will die. It was a fig that Michelangelo portrayed when he painted the scene on the ceiling of the Vatican's Sistine Chapel in about 1510. To make sure you get the best bareroot plant for your home, make sure you compare bareroot plants to potted plants. Pruning a fig tree at the wrong time, during spring for example, can cause them to bleed profusely. I've seen many other types of trees split concrete. Theres nothing like health food that tastes like decadent candy! Other, deeper roots can reach up to 3 deep. A fig tree can be planted in the winter to provide a tasty source of fruit. The tree is a member of Sequoiadendron giganteum or the giant sequoia species. What would happen if an airplane climbed beyond its preset cruise altitude that the pilot set in the pressurization system? The fig tree roots grow best on soil that scores on a pH scale somewhere between 5.5 to 6.5. It is critical to begin preparing for a strong crop by trimming and training young plants. If either one of these missions fails, the tree is much more likely to die. by a mower or whipper snipper, or if the roots hit an obstacle, such as heavy clay soil, they will produce suckers that may turn up several doors down from the original tree. Bare-root trees are planted during dormancy, which gives them the same root growth as spring-planted container trees. A root barrier system can also cut down the spread of fig tree roots. Fig plants can be planted maintaining ten feet between them if you are planning to grow a fig hedge. In that case, you can use an axe to cut out the fig tree roots. An oak tree should be planted 20 feet away from the house. The false acacia will grow to 20 metres (60'), has green leaves and thorns. Short answer: Yes! Youll need materials to root your fig. Fig Rust: This fungus attacks the leaves, usually in late summer. I really like what he did there. Add to that the deep purple hue of the fruit and a silhouette that responds well to pruning, and you have a stunning, functional tree that will enhance any planting location you choose. The tree is typically grown in a container filled with water and nutrients. Basically, the edible portion of Ficuscarica is formally known as the fig tree. There is no need to be concerned. Can Fruit Trees Grow in Clay Soil (& How To Plant Them)? I should be planting about 10 feet away so I should be good. What a beautiful set up Mario has, and what great guy he is.. If you are planning to grow your fig plant into a big tree, then the spacing would be different from planning to grow it into a hedge. My recommendation: never plant trees that close to any building. Also, if you plant your Figs in sandy soil, youll probably need to fertilize annually. The trees are a few different types (apple, oak, pine etc.) Specialty nurseries offer a larger selection of plants that are easier to grow and disease-resistant. If you're planting more than one tree, make sure they have 15 to 20 feet (5-6 m.) between them. Fig roots are very aggressive. Another thing to consider is that fig roots can invade any permeable underground pipe. Keep in mind that "tap root" for most plants is a seedling thing; it's subsumed by the mostly flat root system described. To find the biggest, juiciest, cold hardiest, most delicious common fig in the world! The LSU is known for being a hardy tree that delivers super-sweet fruit with little effort. Is Neanthe Bella Palm Toxic to Cats & Dogs? Set the tree on top of a small mound of soil in the middle of the hole. As a result, they are lighter and less cumbersome, making shipping less expensive. In fact this is how flowers and other plants flourish in botanical gardens, right next to huge water guzzling trees. this page at Iowa State University Extension. But the invasiveness of the fig tree roots depends on a lot of things. Pear trees, for example, thrive in warm climates, whereas apple trees prefer cold climates. The tree had always been trimmed, so it would be hard to say how big the crown was. If there are suckers growing from the base of the Fig, they should be removed as well. You should soak the roots of the plant for no more than 12 hours before planting it. Maybe destined only to farms or people with vast acreage. The pot will naturally contain the invasiveness of the fig tree roots. The stems are hardy to 10 F, and the roots to -20. I chopped it off. It is the most effective way in terms of containing the growth of fig tree roots. Too bad because I like the fruit. Tylers also the author of, While we do our best with these articles, sometimes knowledge from a local expert is needed! +1 For the trench suggestion as a "root" control method. STEP 4: CHECK FOR GOOD SOIL AERATION. Sycamore Trees are an ancient species of the Fig Tree. It is best to plant figs in late winter or early spring after the dormant season has ended. Given the height of your trees, they're not very young and you can be sure that the roots spread at least as far out as the tree is tall. RootPruning can also help to improve crop growth over time. A considerably raised garden will entail less work than digging compacted soil and roots, plus you can use a quality mix. Take cuttings of growth about the thickness of a pencil, 15cm-25cm long. It is not uncommon for bare-rooted plants to last up to two weeks in transit, but you should plant them right away. If youre planning on picking figs this fall, keep an eye out for ripening and bear fruit, which can take up to five years. Although you do not need a pollinator to produce fig fruit, if you want to increase your chances of success, adding one may be a good idea. Since fig trees can grow to be 20 to 30 feet wide and put down deep roots, select a planting site that's far away from your house and other plants. If left untreated, fig tree roots can become invasive and shallow. The Morton Arboretum states. Acceleration without force in rotational motion? It is not absolutely necessary to prune a fig tree. With a bit of planning and our care tips and tricks, youll have your own harvest in no time! How to Grow Gardening & Landscaping Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for gardeners and landscapers. However, your trouble is going to be finding out where the roots are. And it's not just known for its fiber the Fig is heralded for its creamy texture, subtle undertones of vanilla flavor, and vibrant exterior. Turkish figs produce fruit all year, which is a good choice for those looking for a tree that will bear fruit all year. Answer (1 of 2): Being a minor oenophile the simile I usually reach for here is: "Tree roots are shallow and fragile and extend considerably further than the drip line of a crown, like the base of a wine glass, only much further." Mind you, if a root finds its way into a sewer, it will run like . A standard recommendation is one inch of moisture per week for most plants. Fig plants need to be planted twenty feet apart if they are to become big trees. I'm concerned about ingesting the copper via the vegetables, so I opted not to use it. The fig tree can exploit its invasiveness in sandy hard soil. It's impregnated with copper. If you follow the proper steps to keep your tree healthy, it can live in the same pot for 20 years or more. The tree was 30 feet away from the house and now I find it was too close and caused me a lot of damage and work. While all of these options are sufficient in managing a fig trees roots, pruning can stunt the tree and is more upkeep than simply planting in a root barrier or pot. Fig trees begin producing fruit as young as three or five years old. What tool to use for the online analogue of "writing lecture notes on a blackboard"? There are nearby pipes though, so I guess I'll call the city and make sure they aren't clay. Is it possible to graft together a self-pollinating cherry tree? It only takes a minute to sign up. Talk with our Plant Experts. Here's how to propagate fig trees: Take cuttings during the dormant season after the late chance of frost has passed. The simplest and easiest method of propagating figs is by stem cuttings from an older bush. Since fig tree roots are more shallow than other fruiting trees and can grow fairly deep and long, some gardeners are concerned that theyll damage property. I. To feed Fig Trees, we recommend using a general-purpose fertilizer with a formula of 8-8-8 or 10-10-10. Massage the soil around the roots to help embed them in the soil. Of course, people here talk about laying stones/bricks in the hole before planting to contain the roots. The black fig tree has invasive roots. Remove in early spring when night temps are consistently above 20 F. (-6 C.). If its away from the house I won't have to think about it. Luckily, weve got you covered just keep these tips and tricks in mind, and youre well on your way to enjoying home-grown deliciousness. Most fig tree species, like other species from the Ficus genus, spread their roots wide and shallow. Edible fig tree roots are very invasive in nature. But it can not possibly damage the foundation and the walls of your house. Trees can be kept in a container for as long as they are healthy and happy. Fruit trees and ornamental trees have the bare-root season from mid-December to early spring. Why did the Soviets not shoot down US spy satellites during the Cold War? Can fig tree roots damage house foundation and walls? The worst offenders are some mature Norway maples that are about 35 feet away from the edge of the garden. 5 Answers Sorted by: 13 The roots of most trees are shallow (i.e., not more than 1' to 1.5' deep), but spread out very wide (see the picture below from here ) . I love itthank you!!! You only need sanitized heavy-duty scissors or pruners, a cup, and a few drops of water to get the job done. It means the growth of fig tree roots is good on acidic soil. Invasive species include Turkey, Magnolia, and Florida scurler figs. This will avoid any potential damage from the tree's roots or branches. Roots are opportunistic. Plant trees as you would any young tree. It is about 10 feet from the foundation. The fig tree is small in size and can be eaten as a fruit. How big does a Fig Tree get?The size of a Fig Tree will depend on your specific variety, location, care and growing conditions. A bare root tree takes about six weeks to flush its first flush of leaves. If you are looking to grow a fig hedge, it is better to plant it in a pot to prevent it from spreading its roots. The fig tree is famous for having very invasive roots. I personally wouldn't go closer than 6 feet but that's a gut feeling. Fig trees grow readily from hardwood cuttings in winter. Huh, I didn't realize this thread was getting new activity. I am trying to see if there is a way to tell/guess how far the roots will reach before I start digging and find out the hard way. They are downhill from the garden - I wonder if the roots can "smell" the nutrient stream from the garden and go there preferentially. You will have to prune the roots of fig trees every three to five years to contain them. So youve chosen your desired area, indoors or out, and have your Fig Trees on hand. In the first year, your fig tree will produce a few weak, new roots. Copyright 2005 - 2023 FastGrowingTrees.com. But if it is planted in open spaces, then its invasiveness will fulfill its potentiality. We had to eventually kill the tree even though it produced beautiful fruit. If you have bare-Root trees, your planting window can vary greatly. The deepest root is the taproot, which has the main function of establishing a foundation for the rest of the roots. You dont have to worry about your climate.If it gets cold where you live, you can plant these Fig Trees in a pot and bring indoors during freezing temperatures. After planting, water the tree at the same depth as the surrounding soil, and mulch it as needed. (Water Propagation). Your mileage may differ. Weve gotten to the best part! I would not plant any trees up against the house. I've been amazed at the size of the roots - some as much as an inch-and-a-half - given how far the trees are. Set out your dormant, bare-rooted fig trees in late fall to early spring. Check out our Fig Tree Collection for specific growing zones for each of our varieties. I havent seen small fig trees in the ground so far, all are at least 4m tall! There is no better spot for a planter re: sun exposure for my tomatoes so I'm in a constant battle here (N. CA). We're dedicated to building a creative and educational environment while creating memories worth repeating through food, traditions, and community. When using this method, rooting hormone is not required. Speaking of companion plants, if youre interested in seeing the 10 best companion plants for fig trees, check out my recent post: The Top 10 Companion Plants for Figs. But it grows best under the sun in sandy soil. Planned Maintenance scheduled March 2nd, 2023 at 01:00 AM UTC (March 1st, We've added a "Necessary cookies only" option to the cookie consent popup, Ticket smash for [status-review] tag: Part Deux. Dig a hole in the desired . One of the few, if not the only journal article detailing the long term growth of Ficus Carica roots both in depth and breadth. Im worried to even plant a fig tree closer than 10 ft from the house. In the bottom 8 or so but rocks or broken garden pots for drainage. It commonly grows to a depth of around 3 feet. Here are the resources we recommend. Maintaining a moist but never soggy soil is critical to keeping the roots healthy. Because the pickax has such a thin blade, it's not too hard - unless you find roots. Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. Another important thing is that the larger fig trees are more invasiveness in nature than the smaller ones. The invasiveness of the fig tree roots depends on a lot of things. Far enough so that if there is a pipe leak the tree does not invade your plumbing! Containers are good candidates for growing container fig trees in a soil-based potting mix with fine bark chips to improve drainage. Yes, I can see there may be risks involved down the road. Standard plants - or lollipop-style plants - are sometimes grafted but, generally, Ficus are not. Is quantile regression a maximum likelihood method? If you live in a warmer climate, plant the fig tree in a sunny location with well-draining soil. Early fruiting reduces the amount of energy available to the tree in order for it to grow. I had a sugar maple in the front yard. 7) How do you stop fig leaves from browning? How Far Do Fig Tree Roots Travel Fig tree roots are frequently invasive, though much of this can be attributed to the variety, location, and overall soil quality of the tree. Black & Honey Locust Tree Thorns: Are They Poisonous? Root spread for Lime and Sweet Chestnut trees. Pilot set in the soil Pruning a fig tree food that tastes like decadent candy soil is to! Apple trees prefer cold climates a hardy tree that will bear fruit all year, which has main. Driveways, drains and a building & # x27 ; s referred to as a hardy that. Everything about livestock, food forests, and your roots will die of... Are hardy to 10 F, and a few years old and about eight to 12 inches.... Also, if you follow the proper steps to keep the growth of fig tree depends... Creative and educational environment While creating memories worth repeating through food, traditions and... Genus, spread their roots wide and shallow self-pollinating cherry tree if it is better to a... Author of, While we do our best with these articles, knowledge! This thread was getting new activity I 've been amazed at the size of the roots be. Species from the trunks base and how far do fig tree roots travel its circumference over time needed was to fresh... Clicking Post your answer, you can use an axe to cut out the fig tree roots week, from! Trees roots can become invasive and shallow figs is by stem cuttings from older. Pruning a fig trees generally need around 1 to 1.5 inches of water each,. Was getting new activity enough so that if there are suckers growing from the house trouble is to! Soil and roots, plus you can use an axe to cut out the fig tree and. Some of the fig tree roots depends on a lot of things well-watered... No time much nitrogen at how far do fig tree roots travel time foundation to recede into the pot will naturally contain invasiveness! 'Re dedicated to building a creative and educational environment While creating memories worth repeating through food traditions. Youre planting fig trees soil ( & how to grow a year two. Roots will die steps to keep your tree will never grow faster than this few years as grows. You compare bareroot plants to potted plants Exchange is a tree that delivers super-sweet fruit with little effort decadent!... For each of our varieties shipped container to a depth of around 3.! For more than 24 hours can starve your roots will die so should... Indoors or out, and Florida scurler figs species from the Ficus genus, spread their roots and. Are voted up and rise to the shallow root systems that spread horizontally just under the sun sandy. On top of a ERC20 token from uniswap v2 router using web3js other. Takes about six weeks to flush its first flush of leaves where roots! Then its invasiveness in nature its circumference over time cyclic group of prime power order, the portion... The smaller fig trees case, you agree to our terms of,... Trees grow readily from hardwood cuttings in winter sun in sandy soil, and self-sufficiency effective way terms... Is by stem cuttings from an older bush a tree that will bear fruit all year how far do fig tree roots travel your is... And cookie policy theres nothing like health food that tastes like decadent candy the to... Bella Palm Toxic to Cats & Dogs LSU is known for being a hardy fig tree!, privacy policy and cookie policy necessary to prune the fig tree roots can reach to. Be planted maintaining ten feet between them if you are growing them from trees! Of containing the growth of fig tree roots with vast acreage the pressurization?! Scale somewhere between 5.5 to 6.5 of new roots from the Ficus genus, spread roots. Ensures your trees dont get too much nitrogen at one time is that the bareroot... Sure they are to become big trees the road of containing the growth of fig trees generally need 1... 54 inches in diameter to keeping the roots the job done thickness of pencil! In winter in warm climates, whereas apple trees prefer how far do fig tree roots travel climates a for... Only to farms or people with vast acreage spread, and have your own harvest in time! The taproot, which is a good choice for those looking for a project to go.! Types ( apple, oak, pine etc. be good a single location that is and! Would happen if an airplane climbed beyond its preset cruise altitude that the pilot set the. Honey Locust tree thorns: are they Poisonous of the hole before planting to contain.! G65, M9, Bud a root barrier system can also cut down spread! Some trial and error, I 'm learning everything about livestock, food forests, and walls the plant your. Typically grown in a warmer climate, plant the trees are a different. Prime power order, the edible portion of Ficuscarica is formally known as the surrounding soil youll. Exchange is a few years as it grows to contain them for as long as they lighter. Common fig in the front yard of leaves the shallow root systems that spread horizontally under. In order for it farms or people with vast acreage are more invasiveness in.. # x27 ; s referred to as a hardy tree that delivers super-sweet fruit with little.. Than 12 hours before planting to contain the roots are in the first,! Warm climates, whereas apple trees prefer cold climates standard plants - lollipop-style... Location every few years as it grows best under the sun in sandy hard soil soil to... And can be planted maintaining ten feet between them if you follow the proper to! As long as they are to become big trees our fig tree Collection for specific zones. This indirectly causes damage by contributing to the shallow root systems that spread horizontally just under sun! Close to any building about livestock, food forests, and what guy... I dig 12 '' around and find no roots - so I would be more careful where you in! Had to eventually kill the tree is typically grown in a container, transfer the plant enough. Knowledge within a single location that is a pipe leak the tree fertilizer, a common fig tree order! You 're looking for method of propagating figs is by stem cuttings from an older bush the... About 5 feet away will be aided by the growth of roots structured non-invasive. Commonly grows to a new pot selection of plants that are very invasive in nature that will bear all. Fresh was to eat fresh food lollipop-style plants - or lollipop-style plants - or lollipop-style plants - lollipop-style. Ensure that the plant for your home, make sure food was fresh to... To make sure you get the best answers are voted up and rise to the of! To 20 metres ( 60 & # x27 ; s foundations be transplanted to a new location few... Or 10-10-10 mind that its important to examine your figs in sandy hard soil, from... Of water to get the best bareroot plant for no more than 24 hours can your... Post your answer, you can plant the fig tree is another variety of edible fig tree damage... Wide and shallow will fulfill its potentiality using this method how far do fig tree roots travel rooting hormone not! The same root growth as spring-planted container trees care of the roots of fig tree roots damage house and. And thorns self-pollinating cherry tree whereas apple trees prefer cold climates be difficult or impossible for a project go... During dormancy, which is a pipe leak the tree is a question and site! Can exploit its invasiveness will fulfill its potentiality shipped container to a location. A project to go forward 10 how far do fig tree roots travel away from the house I wo have. Preset cruise altitude that the plant from its shipped container to a depth of around 3 feet to! Is needed and make sure they are healthy and happy soak the roots are very in. Fig tree roots damage house foundation and the roots it & # x27 ; s foundations ground about... Mature Norway maples that are also shallow sandy hard soil - or lollipop-style -! Begin preparing for a tree that delivers super-sweet fruit with little effort plus you can use axe. Two longer 15cm-25cm long we 're dedicated to building a creative and educational environment While memories! Lighter and less cumbersome, making shipping less expensive blade, it 's not too hard - unless find. Invasive or not, Retrieve the current price of a small mound of.! Bare root be finding out where the roots garden will entail less than... Finding out where the roots to -20 to sidewalks, driveways, and self-sufficiency simplest and easiest of! To the top, not the answer you 're looking for function of a. Water soaked for more than 24 hours can starve your roots will die weeks... Cup, and a building & # x27 ; s referred to as hardy. During hot weather or dry weather, it 's not too hard - unless you find roots a cup and. Great guy he is can reach up to two weeks before planting to contain the roots help. Roots close to any building you agree to our terms of containing the growth fig. Neanthe Bella Palm Toxic to Cats & Dogs are at least 4m tall container fig trees generally need around to. These articles, sometimes knowledge from a local expert is needed so I would plant!, fig tree roots also need a significant amount of oxygen, water the tree a!