TreeGator® FAQ

What is a Treegator®?

Treegator® is a slow release watering bag. Designed specifically for trees, it evenly delivers water directly to a trees' root system over an extended time period; Allowing for deep water saturation with no run-off or evaporation.

When is a Treegator® used?

Treegator® Slow Release Watering Bags are used on new trees immediately after they have been planted; In most cases, a Treegato® Bag should be filled 1 to 2 times per week during the first 1 to 2 growing seasons ( i.e. spring thru autumn )

How is a Treegator® installed?

Installing and filling a Treegator® takes only minutes, and is as easy as zipping up a jacket. Plus, since Treegator® is so efficient, it only needs to be filled once a week.

Which Treegator® is right for my tree?

20 Gallon Treegator® Original (Trees: shade, flowering, fruit, ornamental, etc.)

For use on trees w/ branches at least 25" from the ground: " Single 20 Gallon Bag: Fits min. 1" to max. 4" caliper (diameter) tree trunk.

Two 20 Gallon Bags (2 units zipped together back-to-back) - 50 gallon setup. Fits 5" to 8" caliper (dia.) trees.

15 Gallon Treegator® Junior Pro (Trees or Shrubs: evergreens, trees, large shrubs, etc.)

For use on plantings with branches at least 6" from the ground or higher. Fits plantings up to 6" in trunk diameter -

Why is deep watering my new tree so important?

Newly planted / transplanted trees, with their greatly reduced root systems and the shock from being removed, are in great need of frequently applied deep irrigation. Deep watering keeps moisture concentrations far below the surface, reducing transplant shock, and attracting roots downward deep into the soil.

How deep is deep enough?

Deep watering to a depth of at least 12 inches or more is recommended. Most of the root system of a tree is located within the top 2 to 4 feet of soil. With new trees, it is also recommended that water be applied directly over the root ball / root mass.

How can I efficiently achieve deep water saturation?

Experts suggest that the best way to efficiently ensure deep water penetration is to slowly and evenly apply a high volume of water in a single application. This means that light watering applications (i.e. via sprinklers. hose, etc.) will not provide adequate water saturation.

How much water does a new tree typically require?

While there is no standard watering amount that is suitable for all new trees, there are general watering guidelines that can be followed. One commonly used formula suggests 10 gallons of water per week for every 1 inch of tree caliper; For example: A single 2 inch caliper (trunk diameter) tree would require approx. 20 gallons of water per week.

Can't I just apply water frequently with a sprinkler or hose?

Watering a tree lightly, even on a regular basis, is insufficient. Most of the water applied will be lost due to run-off and/or evaporation. And most importantly, light applications of water will force roots to the surface, leading to shallow rooting and poor root anchorage.

Why do newly planted trees need so much water?

Newly planted trees lose much of their root system during digging. Because of this, they are much less effective at taking up water, and thus require much more water than established trees.

How long does it take for a new tree to get established?

It can take several years for a transplanted tree to re-establish its root system. On average, a tree is said to require 1 year for every 1 inch of trunk caliper (diameter).

Why does it take so long for a new tree to establish itself?

Transplanted trees lose much of their roots during digging, and thus experience an adjustment period called transplant shock.

What are the signs / symptoms of transplant shock?

Symptoms vary; However, signs include; shortened or poor annual growth, wilted leaves, increased seed production, reduced flowering, early fall color, and early leaf drop.

What can be done to curb the effects of transplant shock?

Proper & regular watering is essential. Supplemental applications (in addition to rainfall) are recommended for at least the first 2 years.

How to Use TreeGator

20 Gallon TreeGator® Original

• Wrap both sides of bag around tree trunk. Single bag fits 1" to 4" caliper (diamter) tree trunk. Two bags zipped together fits 5" to 8" caliper (diameter) tree trunk.
• Zip up nylon zipper from bottom to top
• Insert hose into fill opening begin filling. Fill opening is located under tag at top of bag. Use clean water only.
• Fill bag to approximately 1/4 capacity. If desired, add pre-mixed water soluble fertilizers.
• Gently lift up on black straps at top of bag.
• Resume filling bag - Fill to desired level. Single bag = Max. capacity of approx. 20 Gal. Two bags zipped together = Max. capacity of approx. 50 Gal.
• Let bag drain until empty. Bag will be empty in approx. 5 to 9 hours.
• Fill once per week for most new plantings. Adjust fill schedule as needed.

15 Gallon TreeGator® Junior

• Wrap both sides of bag around trunk. Place on level surface or mulch. Fits plantings up to 6" in trunk diameter. Use on plantings with branches at least 6" from the ground or higher.
• Open fill valve cap, insert hose and fill. Use clean water only. If desired, add pre-mixed water soluble fertilizers or soluble fertilizer packs. Lift on handle while filling to desired level. Bag holds maximmum of 15 gallons
• Let water drain until bag is empty. Bag will be empty in approximately 5 - 8 hrs. Fill 1 - 2 times a week for most new plantings. Adjust fill schedule as needed.

My TreeGators are emptying very slowly. How do I get them to drain properly?

Here a few helpful pointers to make sure your TreeGator is draining properly.

If your 20 Gallon TreeGator® Original Bag is not draining properly, please try these recommendations: While filling the product to approx. 1/4 capacity, be sure that you are lifting up gently on the straps at the top of the bag. Doing so ensures that the water release holes are in the correct positions each time the bag is filled.

Sometimes, a TreeGator® Bag needs to be "reset" - especially if it has been left in a static position for an extended period of time. To "reset" your 20 Gallon TreeGator® Original Bag, empty any remaining water from the bag (be sure to hold the two sides together as the bag is unzipped to prevent damage to the zippers), then lay the bag flat and smooth out any "wrinkles" or "kinks" that may have formed. Then, zip up around trunk, fill with water and let drip.

If the bag still will not drain; try clearing the release holes locations. Check the holes to make sure that there is no debris covering them up - If so, simply wipe them clean with a clean, damp cloth or paper towel. Then, zip the bag(s) up around the tree again, fill with water (being sure to lift on straps as noted above), and let drip.

If your 15 Gallon TreeGator® Junior Bag is not draining properly, please try these recommendations:

Peek under the bag by gently lifting up on of the sides until you are able to see on or both of the emitters. If water is emanating from the emitter(s), then it is possible that the bag is not resting on the ground properly.

First, make sure that the bag is on a flat surface or properly built mulch pile If the bag is on a flat surface or properly built mulch pile, then try gently shifting the bag into a different position by turning it in a counter-clockwise motion around the trunk so that the emitters are resting on a different spot on top of the soil or mulch directly below the planting.

If the emitters still will not drip, then it is possible that something is clogging them from inside the bag. If this is the case, try removing the emitter insert(s) with a small pair of pliers by pulling and twisting on the emitter insert (the open end of the emitter located just after the emitter "lip" or "flare". Be sure to NOT pull on the "elbow" piece sealed to the bag) This will provide an approx. 1/4" opening for any small pieces of debris or particles that may be trapped inside the bag to pass through - along with any remaining water left inside the bag. It will also allow you the opportunity to inspect the emitter inserts to ensure that they too are clear of any debris. If the inserts are dirty, simply clean them in warm, soapy water. Replace the inserts by pushing them back into the "elbow" shaped emitter pieces sealed to the underside of the bag - Be sure to push the inserts in as far as possible. Then, fill with clean water, and let it empty.

If you have a question not covered in this FAQ, please contact us