Watering newly planted white firs

[todd48309]

Hi, we just planted 3 white firs in SE Michigan 2 weeks ago. They ranged from 6-10 feet tall with root balls 30 inches deep and 45 inches wide. We planted the trees in a new berm that is about 15 inches tall. The bottom half of the trees are in the existing loamy/clay soil and the top half is in top soil (berm). We removed the burlap from the top of the root ball and about halfway down the side for each tree. The biggest tree doesn't look so good, the branches are sagging, and it has been dry with temps in the 90's for the past week and these temps will continue for at least another week. The person that sold us the trees said we should give them 20 gallons of water 3 times a week. Another person suggested that the water we are giving them is sinking to the bottom of the hole and could be keeping the roots too wet. How would we go about determining what is the proper way, and the proper amount, to water these trees. We have thought about getting a tree watering spike to make sure the water gets into the root ball. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[ATH]

Water slowly.

I like these bags:
https://www.gardenersedge.com/leona...-and-shrub-hydration-system-32-gallon/p/AR32/
And yes...with no rain and 90, 3x per week. 70s and 80s, I'd do 2x per week. Skip 1 watering for each 1/2" of rain.

Oh...
And 45" is a little small for a 10' tree...

 

[todd48309]

Water slowly.

I like these bags:
https://www.gardenersedge.com/leona...-and-shrub-hydration-system-32-gallon/p/AR32/
And yes...with no rain and 90, 3x per week. 70d and 80s, I'd do 2x per week. Skip 1 watering for each 1/2" of rain.

Oh...
And 45" is a little small for a 10' tree...

Thanks for the info. About how much water should I give the trees each time?

 

[ATH]

at least 20 gallons (they sell 20 gallon bags), but I'd probably use the 32 gallon bag I linked for the 10' trees.

 

[todd48309]

Hello, I have a few more questions if you have the time to look at the new pics I posted. I have noticed that some of the branches are bending downward at a 30 -45 degree angle, this is mostly on the south side of the two larger trees we planted. The bending seems to have happened where the newer growth is. I don't think the branches were like this when we received the tree. What could this be an indicator of? Also, some of the tips of the lower branches are beginning to yellow a bit. Thank you in advance.