Soil Moisture Test

Soil Moisture Test

The goal of the soil moisture test is to ensure the soil at the base of the drainage pipe has the ideal texture – soft, moist, pliable, and cool to the touch, similar to Play-Doh. This should be achieved 24 hours after watering when temperatures exceed 95°F and 48 hours after watering when temperatures are below 95°F. There are multiple ways to collect a soil sample at the bottom of the drainage pipe, including using a stick, dowel, paint stir stick, broom handle, PVC pipe, rebar, etc.; in our experience, dirt adheres to wooden surfaces the best. If the soil sample is drier than playdoh, then you’re not watering enough. If the soil sample is wetter than playdoh, you’re overwatering. If water accumulates at the bottom of the pipe, it needs to be drained. Some tools that can be used are a shop vac, hand pump, or an M12 Stick Transfer Pump from Milwaukee. Consistent watering is essential for accurate soil moisture testing. Water each tree with the same amount of water consistently for accurate soil moisture testing. Inconsistent watering can hinder our ability to determine the necessary adjustments. After collecting multiple soil samples, we can typically customize watering schedules within 2-3 weeks. For multiple trees, it's best to test the soil moisture around each individually, as moisture levels can differ significantly even if they're planted close together.

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