DIY Deep Root Watering System

DIY Deep Root Watering System
MATERIALS:
(4) 4" Sch 40 Coupling amzn.to/2VsGxd9
(4) 4" NDS Drain Cap amzn.to/2Ruc9QD
(1) 10' Perforated Pipe amzn.to/2RucbrJ
COST: $8.37 Each
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TOOLS USED
5/8" Drill Bit amzn.to/2RopSbJ
Drill amzn.to/2RsfiAo
Shovel amzn.to/2CNgM09
PVC Saw amzn.to/2LMbV1N
Cable Saw amzn.to/2CMFHkj
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Rainbird RWS Root Watering System amzn.to/2CKw2uC
Rain Bird’s Root Watering System (RWS) enables vital water, oxygen, and nutrients to bypass compacted soil and directly reach tree and shrub root systems.
Its patented basket weave canister allows ground installation to a depth of 36" (91,4 cm) for the RWS, 18" (45,7 cm) for the RWS-M and 10" (25,4 cm) for the RWS-S. The RWS is intended for use with water dispensing devices such as a bubbler head or a drip emitter.
The RWS promotes tree and shrub investment protection, watering efficiency and landscape aesthetics through deep root growth and tree development.
Tree & Shrub Investment Protection
In a typical transplant project, as many as 20% of trees do not survive beyond two years. Over 50% of newly planted tree mortality is due to water and nutrient stress. Rain Bird’s RWS provides subsurface irrigation and aeration designed to prevent tree and shrub transplant shock. It allows the roots to grow deeper and broader resulting in greater tree stability, higher survival rates and long-term healthier growth.
Watering Efficiency
Subsurface, deep root watering and aeration ensures tree health and promotes accelerated growth. Subsurface watering is intelligent irrigation. RWS minimizes the total water volume required to irrigate trees, reducing water loss due to evaporation, wind and edge control losses.
Landscape Aesthetics
The RWS helps prevent shallow root growth by minimizing water run-off and damage to hardscapes. The aesthetically designed subsurface bubbler is contained with the RWS tube. The below-grade installation contributes to a safer and more reliable installation -no one is tripping over or breaking above-ground irrigation hardware. The below-grade installation promotes a landscape’s natural appearance.
For the RWS
4" (10,2 cm) retaining cap and vandal resistant locking grate tops a
36" (91,4 cm) semi-rigid mesh tube.
Factory installed swing assemblies (excluding RWS-BGX) with a 1401 (0.25 gpm; 0,95 l/m), 1402 (0.5 gpm; 1,8 l/m), or 1404 (1.00 gpm; 3,6 l/m) bubbler on a fixed riser makes connecting to lateral lines easy.
Optional sand sock is ideal for use in sandy soil.
For the RWS - Mini
4" (10,2 cm) retaining cap and vandal resistant locking grate tops a
18" (45,7 cm) semi-rigid mesh tube.
Factory installed ½" (1.3 cm) spiral barb elbow with a 1401 or 1402 bubbler makes connecting to lateral lines easy.
Optional sand sock is ideal for use in sandy soil.
For the RWS - Supplemental
2" (5.1 cm) snap-on cap and base cap enclose a 10" (25,4 cm)
semi-rigid mesh tube.
Factory installed ½" (1.3 cm) spiral barb elbow with 1401 bubbler makes connecting to lateral lines easy.
Right size for shrubs.
Minimizes transplant shock
Directs water to root ball and adjacent soil.
Supplements top-down soaking.
Deeper and broader roots
Quicker tree and shrub growth.
Provide a stable foundation against high winds.
Subsurface bubbler
Reduces waste due to run-off.
Minimizes evaporation.
Supports low-volume tubing
Orderable without a swing assembly or fittings to support direct connection to a drip system.
Grate collar has an integrated clip for ¼” (0.6 cm) tubing.
Aesthetically pleasing appearance
Installs at grade level.
Minimizes root damage to hardscapes.
Rigid tube design
Mesh material allows for horizontal movement of water and oxygen into root zone and surrounding areas.
Supports pea gravel fill to provide better top-to-bottom water dispersion and firmness against root compression.
Connects to traditional irrigation lateral lines
Integrated polyethylene swing assembly and spiral barb fittings connect to PVC and PE pipes.
Simplifies attachment to watering pipes.
Self-contained and factory-assembled
Comes in 3 pre-assembled sizes for design flexibility.
Saves time and money by being ready-to-install out of the box.
Minimizes personal injury
Reduces above ground risers and surface-level roots people can trip over.
Options for RWS & RWS-M Models
Non-potable water grate cover identification.
Locking grate cover deters vandalism.
Sand sock prevents fine particles from penetrating tube.
Thanks for Watching!
- TG (Thrifty Garage)
Business Inquiries:
2401 E. 32nd Street, 10-248
Joplin, MO 64804-3177
[e-mail]
watering tube,how to build deep root watering system,deep watering method,diy deep root watering system,deep root watering system for trees,deep

[@ThriftyGarage]

Here is a link to the Perforated ADS Drain Pipe: amzn.to/2RucbrJ

[@theronwinsby]

The bottom line is, every situation is different and there are many different soil types, climates , sand, clay, hot, dry out there. etc. Trees need as many feeder roots as they can get but if you confine them to a pit with a tube, it only lasts so long. (not very long). BTW Johnny apple seed never needed any plastic tubes, Just learn how to plant a tree and learn how roots grow and how old trees survive. Skip the tubes. Look up ISA or look up bristle cone pine. The reason I am so adamant or passionate is... I am tired of these junky products being sold when trees have been growing just fine for thousands and thousands of millennia ... - long before "clever" humans. Plus, I have grown and killed more trees than this dude on this video has even thought about. AND I am just trying to help in the long run.

[@ThriftyGarage]

Tanks for commenting. It helps the channel!

[@عثمانمحمد-ق6ح]

How many times a week do we water the tree in this way?

[@ThriftyGarage]

Depends on the tree. New trees daily. Then a few times a week. Then once a week and eventually a few times a month. As the tree gets older possibly only occasionally. It would depend on your tree, soil, climate, rainfall, etc… we have several large trees now at our new property in the Midwest. We usually receive a significant amount of rainfall. But we have had several weeks without rain. We might need to go around and deep root water our larger trees because even they could die despite the deeper root structure.

[@RELOADINGandSHOOTING]

I just started doing this when I notice my Crepe Myrtle was showing stress after a month of 100°+ weather here in Las Vegas NV. I used a 3” diameter drilling auger to check if it is moist down the tree root ball and after a couple of feet i found out that it was dry underground. I deep water my trees of about 40-50 gallons of water once per week with plenty of mulch around the base of the tree and apparently that wasn’t enough. for our high heat and low humidity. I installed 3’ of this pipe, wrapped the holes with scrap solar screen fabric to prevent dirt from falling inside the pipe and I used the pvc end cap because I don’t want the root ball to be exposed to insects or bugs plus it will keep the moisture in and prevent the water evaporation. Great video and I’m jealous with the chickens😅it’s too hot during the summer to keep them here.🐓🐔

[@ThriftyGarage]

That is great to hear!

[@agneteht]

Any update on how your tree took to it? Did it help?

[@RELOADINGandSHOOTING]

Agnete Thomsen yes it did!!! Here in Las Vegas our soil are very compact and low draining, so I could see 3 feet down if I’m over watering it or my trees needed water...

[@theronwinsby]

Great ! I am waiting for the follow up video!

[@theronwinsby]

@@ThriftyGarage Look up permaculture.

[@yadro9758]

Like it, aside from the digging (clay soil), nothing complicated and pretty simple

[@HomesteadinHawaii]

Thanks for posting. I've always been interested to learn more about this subject. Now all I need is a place with soil rather than rocks.

[@mguignard70]

I have been looking for a non-complicated way for deep root watering system. This looks like something I can do. Thank you.

[@ThriftyGarage]

Thanks for watching! Let us know how it goes.

[@MrSatukali]

kzbin.info?search_query=diy+deep+root+watering+system

[@flatsville1]

Hint- If you know you need to dig a deep(ish) hole, the night before take a 5 gal bucket, drill 3 small holes equi-distant about 1/12 - 2 in. from the outer edge of the bucket, fill bucket with water & cover tightly. By the time you get to it the next day, the soil will be somewhat moist & much easier to dig. Fewer broken shovels.

[@ThriftyGarage]

Awesome tip! Thanks for sharing!

[@specialized29er86]

We put in 50mm ones with 3 mm holes and a couple of feet above the ground when we planted our trees. Fill them up twice a week and they water themselves and a perfect system for our 35 to 45 degree celsius months.

[@ThriftyGarage]

Sounds like a great solution!

[@larryg3040]

Getting ready to plant some trees & I'll be doing this. All my shovels are left-handed so I'm getting someone else to dig.

[@ThriftyGarage]

That left handed shovel will get you every time!

[@Namenza]

Thank you for your ideas and many information you wrote. Definitely I need that in Texas weather. Also RWS is very expensive to get for every fruit tree that I have. A lots of tree can't survive with in 2 years.. I heard that. This is first time fruit trees and first year so I hope my husband will help to make it.

[@edflowers7456]

That would be the perfect application for a post hole digger.

[@sbenard1]

I had no idea this could even be done. Wow! Great tip!

[@ThriftyGarage]

Thanks! I enjoyed doing this project.

[@Lalfy]

Aww that sucks about the shovel. Hopefully you were able to reuse the head of it. I know they sell replacement 'poles' at Home Depot.

[@rekster11]

Very useful garden hack! Thanks for sharing 💧

[@ThriftyGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@bretthaddy9697]

I usually put a layer of 1 inch clean rock on the bottom, I then use 2 or 3 inch curved flex plastic that you would use for your gutters to divert the water from your home. I have the flex hose going into the layer of rock and that will spread it to the dirt root ball same principle sticking the hose into the plastic above.

[@theronwinsby]

Let me know how that truns out with the gravel at the bottom. - Look up ISA

[@nottooclosepleeze]

OMG, your daughter is so cute!

[@sherrieblake8674]

Excellent! I’ve been wanting to do that!

[@danrich9794]

Epic I'm putting in trees I woulda never thought of that

[@asoukl]

Thanks for sharing and for making it so simple.. I am doinv it for my pomegranate/lemin trees.

[@ThriftyGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@theronwinsby]

Not a good idea. Just use mulch and water correctly.

[@Ryan-mm9je]

If I buy a tree that is in a planter and transplant it to the ground and the plant is big can I still use this method and would it help it grow ?

[@ThriftyGarage]

You tell me. Would the water reach the roots? If so, then yes this method would work.

[@rob6310]

I've heard conflicting advice on tree root systems. I've heard deep roots make a stronger anchor and I've heard shallow roots have easier access to nutrients and moisture. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@ThriftyGarage]

I believe a health tree has both deep and shallow roots.

[@melvinlee5684]

I don’t think that this technique will prevent shallow roots from developing. You’ll actually have a tree with both a shallow and deep root system.

[@TheDennys21]

The deep roots ain't just for stronger anchoring, the deeper the roots grow the more misture the ground has therefore the tree grows much faster and can survive droughts without watering once it's established.

[@elenidemos]

Slotted drainage pipe will also work & no drilling required.

[@ThriftyGarage]

That is a great idea and would work perfect! 👍

[@eduardoperez4461]

Nice job on breaking the shovel. Lol

[@gfhrb39qq]

Most of tree roots are growing HORIZONTALLY 15 - 20cm below the ground. No need DEEP WATER EXERCISE, it is misunderstanding. If you WANT TO MAKE ROOT growing well, just create a RAINDROPS MODEL.

[@ThriftyGarage]

Roots grow where the water is; and where the soil is less compact. I want to encourage my trees to have deep roots and not be average.

[@KT-1]

How does it work after installing it? Do you fill pipe with water from the garden hose and let slowly absorb? Thanks for sharing

[@ThriftyGarage]

Exactly, in the past couple of months I have had this installed everything has been working great! About once a week I’ll throw a hose in each tube for a few minutes til they fill up. Generally I will top them off 2-3x as the water absorbs into the soil.

[@gregbutcher_musicplacecheck12]

Wow, great job with the shovel? good luck pushing the wheel barrow? lol

[@wijaya_entchanel4165]

Thanks for this video📹👍

[@ThriftyGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@youhaventbeenlisteningtome8212]

Ty Very simple Watched 2 videos to now, each spent 2min@start talking about history & why. I needed to get an idea how. Thanks bro. Btw, beautiful child. But… She speaks French? And English? Either way, cute & sharp!

[@rogersenterprisesltd4328]

Great video! We're looking to do this on some new fruit trees we're planting but I'm concerned about root rot. Have you noticed any negative effects 2 years later? Thanks.

[@ThriftyGarage]

Technically this should help if you are concerned with root rot. This allows for less frequent watering but with a larger quantity. If your soil is poor draining it will give you a port hole to view if it is holding water.

[@rogersenterprisesltd4328]

@@ThriftyGarage I've been doing some more research and that makes sense. Thanks for answering!

[@theronwinsby]

@@ThriftyGarage So, what is root rot exactly?

[@austinatkins6988]

@@theronwinsby just that, rotting roots from excess moisture remaining around the root system between watering

[@freeamerican105]

Best part of the video: 1:00 😊👶🏼

[@arkanjo7509]

thanks

[@lalbabushaik3067]

best idea

[@arturogutierrez2321]

OOOOH NO, you broke the shovel and tire on wheelbarrow is off the axle bracket. Good video on deep watering a 🌳

[@theronwinsby]

2:01 What is a healthy tree?

[@mikek.4211]

I would think after a few years the pipe would fill with roots making it useless, although it looks like a great idea.

[@ThriftyGarage]

Roots don't tend to like open air because it doesn't hold moisture like soil does. If roots dry out they will die

[@theronwinsby]

Congrats on 106 k views.

[@ThriftyGarage]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@tricia19632004]

Great idea! How often are you filling the pipe with water?

[@ThriftyGarage]

Depends on your weather and soil conditions. The pipe is perfect good establishment watering. Once it takes root you can do it less often. Eventually you shouldn’t have to water at all with the exception of drought conditions.

[@tricia19632004]

Thrifty Garage Thank you for the reply. We have a 30 gallon crape Myrtle being delivered today. I’m SO excited. I live in central VA so weather is iffy. This week has been 90’s and no rain. I was planning some sort of deep root watering system and yours looks very good. Tree is being planted by nursery so I don’t have to dig or backfill. I just need to put pipe where I want it. I’m placing 4 pipes because it’s already a big tree. And I may plant smaller stuff around it and those things would benefit too.

[@SouthallTN]

⁠​⁠@@tricia19632004how did the pipes work out for your crepe myrtle?

[@sanjaymhaske1866]

It's very nice Namaskar (respect) from india Pl inform how much deep required for orrange plant who 8 year old size is 10 feet high and 5 feet wide

[@ThriftyGarage]

Depending on your soil type you shouldn't have to go any deeper than 3-4'. It is best to install along the outer perimeter of the branch canopy. You can always install more than 3 if the tree will take up the water.

[@justincortinas3167]

I’m planning on buying a Autumn blaze Maple , and I know the roots tend to go straight out . Would this work for a tree like that ? Thanks .

[@ThriftyGarage]

Yes, tree roots are much different than a lawn. Lawn roots can be anywhere from 6-12” in depth (sometimes deeper or shallower depending on soil and watering habits). Tree roots are usually deeper and the deep root water simply helps water reach lower depths faster than surface watering methods. It will still allow for surface roots to be watered, especially if you have clay soil and your pipe fills up with water quickly.

[@sucessmanpower3169]

Hi, I am going to plant a sandal wood tree sapling (2 months old ) in my home town. Can I place the perforated tube two feet away ? If we bury the tube in the drip line, what happens when the tree grows huge ? Kindly help me out. Thank you

[@ThriftyGarage]

If you place the root waterer 2’ away the roots will grow around it. It should not have any affect on the longevity of the tree.

[@TariqAli-ij7wy]

I have opposite problem as I live in North East of England (UK) heavy rain and heavy clay soil which make water logged on no more than 1.5 foot depth. does this technique help to drain logged water from soil to tubes as I fear of root rot. if not what's technique can I use thanks alot in advance

[@ThriftyGarage]

If your soils hold water then I would install a french drain to capture extra water in the soil and carry it away from the roots. The concept is similar but the tubes would be burried horizontally and should be backfilled with drainage gravel and a layer of filter fabric installed between the soil and rock.

[@PacificExpressions]

Bonjour. Need a trench shovel for that clay

[@almanacgoodsandapparel1309]

Whats the update on this? Jsit got orange tree and was thinking about this method Lady at thr nursery said dont do it

[@ThriftyGarage]

Unfortunately we sold that house about 5 years ago. But being in the landscape industry I have seen commercial installations of RainBirds RWS as well as homeowners own versions similar to what is shown in this video. One homeowner had 20 year old evergreen trees with 4” pipe similar for deep root watering. I don’t know how much it helps. I don’t believe it can hurt as it is simply allowing you to inject water deeper. The alternative is running a hose for a long period of time.

[@jwass2721]

do you need to cap the bottom off as well?

[@ThriftyGarage]

I did not. I don't see a reason, but if you are worried about soil intrusion I would recommend using some filter fabric. Then water could still pass easily and prevent soil from entering from the bottom or the holes in the side.

[@bazingafishing]

Hello , how do you prevent the dirt to don't clog the holes in the pipe?

[@ThriftyGarage]

It may fill with sediment overtime. Keep in mind this watering method is most useful when establishing trees. Once established they should have a healthy deep root system which is capable of finding water easier. If you would like you can use filter fabric to keep out dirt and sediment.

[@nareshravim]

Can i bury a barrel instead to water slightly larger trees? also how to control soil from filling inside barrel? thanks in advance from INDIA :)

[@ThriftyGarage]

Weed fabric would work well to deter roots and dirt from coming in the holes.

[@ThriftyGarage]

I'm not sure a barrel will help that much. The idea is that this is easy to install and allows for access to the layers of soil. When deep watering it allows for quicker water penetration. Plus I would be concerned that a barrel does not have the structural strength to prevent collapsing. For larger trees the same method will work. Simply add water slowly or do several fills over a fairly stort span of time.

[@عثمانمحمد-ق6ح]

How long is the pipe and is one or two pipes sufficient?

[@ThriftyGarage]

I would suggest 2 or more per tree. Length is approximately 2-3’.

[@richconejo]

Do you know how many gallons you are watering with every full pipe

[@ThriftyGarage]

Every foot of 4” pipe can hold 0.65 gallons. These two pipes probably can hold 3-4 gallons. But as you are filling them water can percolate into the adjacent soil. You can probably apply 10-20 gallons relatively quickly with this system.

[@Ryan-mm9je]

Isn’t that pipe too big for that tree. For my shrubs I use 3/4

[@ThriftyGarage]

More capacity.

[@Repla12481]

Hello, so I did this today and seems like the water just goes right through the bottom of it. I filled it up and 10 min later all the water was gone lol. Do I have to put a cap at the bottom?

[@ThriftyGarage]

How deep did you install the pipe? How quickly the water disappears will depend on your soil type. It’s much better if the tree is being watered from the bottom than the top. It will encourage deeper roots. If you are worried that the tree’s current rootball isn’t getting sufficient water I’d fill up the hole and let the hose trickle so it stays topped off or even over flowing. Eventually you can switch back to deeper waterings.

[@Repla12481]

@@ThriftyGarage so I dug it about 24 inches deep. Made 3 rows of holes going down the pipe. I’m using it for my palm trees that are on a slope/hill. I also have clay soil. How long does it take your water to run out?

[@yota87truck]

@@Repla12481 depending on the size of the tree, I wouldn't be too worried about it. As mentioned above I'd run the hose on a trickle or use a drip system for equal results. Sounds like you are doing a good job to watch and care for them. As far as the soil type. Our soil was very similar. I'd guess about 10 minutes also. Best way to check would be to go back a day or two later and see if there is any moisture remaining in the soil. You would be able to look through the holes in the pipe an see.

[@Repla12481]

@@yota87truck gotcha, I thought it was bad that the water was going right through the bottom of the tube, since I thought it was supposed to be a slow release.

[@audreygabel6787]

How do you weather proof for snowy windy winters?

[@ThriftyGarage]

For the chickens or the tree waterers?

[@audreygabel6787]

Sorry, waterers

[@audreygabel6787]

Oh and what is the green screen looking thing called again?

[@ThriftyGarage]

I've never had a problem during the winter with snow or freezing. The pipe doesn't hold water so ice can't break the pipe. If your concerned with the cold getting to the roots you could probably stuff a piece of insulation and cap it during the winter. There are many different available fittings which could be used instead of the green drain grate. But honestly I believe the tree will self manage either way.

[@dennischen2448]

Maybe you need four at four coners.

[@theronwinsby]

The bottom line is, every situation is different and there are many different soil types, climates , sand, clay, hot, dry out there. etc. Trees need as many feeder roots as they can get but if you confine them to a pit with a tube, it only lasts so long. (not very long). BTW Johnny apple seed never needed any plastic tubes, Just learn how to plant a tree and learn how roots grow and how old trees survive. Skip the tubes. Look up ISA or look up bristle cone pine. The reason I am so adamant or passionate is... I am tired of these junky products being sold when trees have been growing just fine for thousands and thousands of millennia ... - long before clever humans. Plus, I have grown and killed more trees than this dude on this video has even thought about. AND I am just trying to help in the long run.

[@123MJP123]

Yeah. I agree. This is a good idea in theory and maybe even in practice. But what happens when the tree roots grow INTO the PVC pipe. Good luck ever getting that pipe out of the ground !!!! I have six fruit trees in my backyard. But installing twelve 2 foot pieces of PVC pipe that I'll never ever be able to remove without digging it all out because the roots have so grown into the pipe....not so sure I should do this....

[@theronwinsby]

wrong

[@ThriftyGarage]

Can you expound?

[@theronwinsby]

@@ThriftyGarage While the concept makes sense, tree roots need oxygen and if you have stagnant water sitting in clay, the water becomes anaerobic and poisonous for feeder roots. Drainage is just as important.However, putting water in a pit or pot wont drain. recommending to Just water on the surface and slowly soak.

[@lorrainelamb4664]

Protrees you obviously don't live in a desert area, this is the only way trees survive and grow in my 8" of rain a year climate.

[@theronwinsby]

@@lorrainelamb4664 Too bad you are wrong. How many trees have you grown over a 2,5,10,15 or 20 year period? Look up permaculture or the ISA

[@ThriftyGarage]

@ProTrees a commercial version of this product is specified on many modern landscape plans for installation on trees and plants.