Frequently asked questions about the baumbad watering bag (unit of gallons)

What our American customers ask

You can find the instructions for the tree bath watering bags in the section:

"Treeknowledge">"Instructions for watering bags"

But while you're here, you can also access the instructions view online here

or simply download:

tree bath instructions in English USA (Gallons)

To fill the tree bath watering bag, please follow the steps below:

1. Place the watering bag around the tree trunk and then close the zipper. (Note: one bag is sufficient for trees up to 30 cm in circumference. For larger trees, we recommend using two or more bags).


2. Push the water hose (max. 10 cm diameter) deep into the opening of the watering bag (alternatively: "insert").

3. First fill the watering bag only about 1/6 full with water (between 2 gallon and 4 gallon depending on the bag volume) and then lift the bag by the black loops (shake it open). This is important to ensure that the bag is in an upright position, otherwise the water may not be able to drain properly from the bag.

4. Then fill the bag completely.

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A tree watering bag is the ideal watering aid for trees. The bag is
placed around the trunk like a jacket, closed with a zip and then filled
with water. The water escapes slowly and drop by drop through two small
openings on the underside of the bag, ensuring long-lasting watering
process. This saves you water, time and money and makes you a #tree
saver.

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The tree watering bags are designed so that the water drips out very slowly from two openings at the lower folds. The openings are located on the left and right of the bag. If the bag is shaken and installed correctly in accordance with the instructions, it waters the soil beneath it drop by drop. A filling quantity of 20 Gallon is sufficient for a watering period of 6 to 9 hours, a 26 Gallon bag is sufficient for 9 to 12 hours. The soil under the watering bag is also protected from the sun by the bag and therefore remains moist during the watering process and afterwards. This enables the tree to absorb water over the entire watering period, allowing it to continuously fill its water reservoirs. This type of watering is also known as "drip irrigation"  and is explained in detail on our blog page.

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A drainage time of 6-9 hours (20G) and 9-12 hours (26G) is ideal for the watering bags. The water is released into the soil for hours via small openings on the underside. This ensures deep watering for hours. If the dripping time is much longer, there is a possibility that the water can evaporate into the soil due to the ambient temperature. This would result in the tree not being supplied with the maximum amount of water that could be reached without loss. The tree irrigation bags are designed so that water drips out of two holes at the lower folds. One on the left and one on the right. The soil under the irrigation bag is also protected from the sun by the bag and remains moist during the irrigation period. The moist soil is ideal for allowing the tree to absorb water and fill its water reservoirs throughout the entire irrigation period and beyond. This principle is also known as “Drip irrigation".

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Place the tree bag on a pole "next to" the tree, hedge or shrub

In some trees, the branching already begins near the ground, so that it is not possible to attach the irrigation bag to the tree according to our instructions.in such a case, there is also the possibility of placing the bag next to the tree (but still above the root network).for younger trees, this means that the bag should be placed as close to the trunk as possible, while for older trees you can also choose a certain distance, as the underground root system already extends over a much larger radius.

The bag is relatively robust and stable due to its solid material and the flattened underside, and therefore only requires a small support, such as a wooden stick, which can be stuck into the soil next to the bag. Please always remember to lift the watering bag briefly after a third (in a previous answer it was 1/6) of the filling (shake it up if necessary) to ensure that the openings are clear and the water can seep into the soil drop by drop. Then fill up completely!

This method is also very suitable for hedges and shrubs. Place the watering bag as close as possible to the hedge (or shrub), as the root system does not spread as much underground as with trees.

If installation is not possible even with the procedure described above, we recommend using the Baumbad Premium watering ring (14,5G). As the watering ring is wider, it is usually easy to install even if there is very little space between the soil and branches.

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The watering bags are designed so that water drips out of two openings (left and right) at the lower folds. If these are not positioned correctly when shaking the bag during filling, the water may drain out faster than intended.


Please check the instructions again to see how to shake the bag correctly. You can also watch the individual steps again in our video on how to use and install the Baumbad watering bag. => If the water still drains away too quickly, please check whether the bag or bags are standing in a hollow or over a cavity. This could lead to the PVC being squeezed and the openings being unintentionally enlarged, which can be corrected by gently tugging or lifting. If necessary, you can also try to change the position of the tree bag so that it stands on a level surface. Please see if this solution helps you. Otherwise, please contact our customer support team or book a free appointment with one of our tree experts. We will help you and find a solution.

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Our tree bags are constructed/designed in such a way that water drips out of two openings (left and right) at the bottom folds. If these are not positioned correctly when shaking the bag during filling, it can happen that the water drains either slower or faster than intended, so please check the instructions again to see how to shake the bag correctly. You can also watch the individual steps again in our video on how to use and install the Baumbad watering bag. => Jump to the "Shake the bag properly" section of the video.

Further suggested solutions if emptying is too slow:

1) Please check whether the PVC is sticking together slightly at the fold or around the openings. If so, try tugging a little to bring everything into the correct position.


2)Is it possible that the bag(s) are in a trough or above a cavity? If so, please check whether the PVC is blocking the drainage openings at this point. Again, please make sure that the openings are unblocked by pulling gently. Please see if one of these suggested solutions helps you. Otherwise, please contact our customer support team or book a free appointment with one of our tree experts. We will help you and find a solution.

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First things first: Yes, the tree bags can (almost always) be repaired! We have tested various repair methods and developed a free repair kit based on this. We have compiled our experiences and recommendations in a 'repair guide'. You can find these in our tree knowledge blog in the article: "Repairing tree bags - the big comparison"

For free patches, simply write us a message. Click here for the contact form.

We ask you not to simply dispose of the irrigation bags, as there is also a recycling program for damaged bags in addition to the repair. In this program, your bags will be repaired and donated by us, or the bags will be processed into repair kits, which we will provide to you free of charge if you want to repair your bags yourself.

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It is not always easy to determine which tree needs how much water. We therefore generally recommend watering a little less rather than too much. To a certain extent, trees are accustomed to seasons with their varying amounts of precipitation. It is an important survival factor for a tree to build up a certain degree of resilience in order to be able to survive three periods unscathed. Due to the changing climate, however, it is becoming increasingly common for dry periods to last longer, for rain to bring less water or for most of it to simply run off during heavy rainfall, despite large amounts, and thus not be accessible to the tree roots. Our tree bags serve as a watering support to help the trees get through these unnaturally long and unusually dry periods as unscathed as possible. In many trees, the root system extends over different depths of the soil in order to access any remaining moisture. As soon as water is available, a tree usually begins to store it in its leaves, branches, trunk and roots. This is similar to living organisms. Once these stores have been replenished, trees can survive for a long time without additional water. When a tree's stores have been depleted to below a critical threshold, this can usually be seen first on the leaves, which begin to hang down "powerlessly". If you have the opportunity, this would be a good time to intervene to provide support.


If it remains dry for a longer period of time, it is of course best to support the tree continuously. It makes sense to start with watering every two weeks, even if the likelihood of rain is still relatively high. If the weather forecasts indicate a longer period of heat or drought, we recommend starting with weekly drip irrigation immediately, and even filling the tree bag twice a week in extreme conditions.

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You put our watering bag around the tree like a jacket/garment. This is easy, can be done in a few simple steps and takes very little time. A single tree bath tree bag is designed for watering trees with a circumference of up to 30 cm. For larger trees, it is possible to combine several tree bags. The simple rule of thumb is that one tree bag is sufficient for up to 30 cm of the circumference. This means


Circumference up to: 30 cm (diameter: 9.6 cm) = 1 tree bag Circumference up to: 60 cm (diameter: 19.2 cm) = 2 tree bags Circumference up to: 90 cm (diameter: 28.8 cm) = 3 tree bags Circumference up to: 120 cm (diameter: 38.4 cm) = 4 tree bags
etc.


The tree bath irrigation bags are designed so that they can be easily connected to each other. Below you will find a video in which you can see how this works, please note that with the largest possible tree circumference, the bags may not be filled to 100%, as the trunk presses against the bag during filling. If this is a problem, it is possible to place the tree bag(s) "freely" next to the desired tree.
"Set up single bags on a pole"
and
"Set up several bags together"

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It can happen that branches, climbing plants or other objects are located exactly where the watering bag is normally placed around the tree. In such a case, the bag can also be placed "freely" next to the tree to be watered. The tree bag is already quite stable on its own and only needs a little additional support. It is best to use a wooden or bamboo stick or a metal rod, which you stick into the ground next to the bag (if possible without damaging larger tree roots). A single watering bag is designed for watering trees with a circumference of up to 30 cm, and several tree bath watering bags are only required for older trees that have exceeded this circumference. These can be easily connected to each other using the combinable zipper solution.

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Compared to trees, which generally have a free, relatively smooth trunk, hedges and shrubs often have branches and ramifications (or even tips and thorns) close to the ground. As a result, it may not be possible to attach the watering bag directly there. As already described in your previous customer inquiry, in such a case the bag can also be placed "freely" next to the hedge or shrub to be watered. The tree bag is already quite stable on its own and only needs a little additional support. It is best to use a wooden or bamboo stick or a metal rod, which you stick into the ground next to the bag (if possible without damaging larger tree roots). Now you can attach the tree bag to it in the usual way.additionally:If it is not possible to set it up using the procedure described above, we recommend using the baumbad Premium watering ring (14,5 G). As the watering ring is wider, it can usually be installed well even if there is very little space between the soil and branches.

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The tree watering bag is largely made of PVC. It has a very simple structure, which contributes to its long life expectancy. The tear- and impact-resistant material is also supported by a net-like fiber weave.

The service life is reduced by:
• - Incorrect handling of the bag (always follow the instructions)
- Cleaning products that are too aggressive/corrosive
- Carelessness with sharp points or edges on the tree due to broken branches or twigs Carelessness with sharp points or edges on the tree due to broken branches or twigs
- Atmospheric influences such as storms, hail, frost or intense, prolonged sunlight (our bags come with UV protection as standard)
- Dogs repeatedly urinating in the bag over a long period of time
- Inappropriate collisions with lawnmowers or robotic mowers
- Fertilizer additives (depending on chemical composition)
- Winter services that accumulate snow (mud) on roadsides or spread salt on a large scale.
- Rodents, rats or larger wild animals in search of water (usually only if it has been very, very dry for a long period of time)
- Vandalism (just to summarize)
- The formation of algae can block both openings after a very long period of use.
- Dirty water and other impurities during filling can also prevent the water from draining properly or even block the openings completely.

Tips for a long service life:
It is best to use the bags only in the phases of the year when they are needed and then place them in a dry place after drying and cleaning so that no algae forms and the bag is protected. Avoid life-reducing conditions as far as possible. (see above)

It can happen that in times of intense heat, very little rainfall or drought, wild animals can no longer find drinking water. Their well-developed sense of smell tells them that there is water in the tree bags, and out of necessity they nibble at the bags. Small rodents in particular, such as mice, but also martens and foxes can get at the bags, and we have found a solution to prevent animal bites from the watering bags: place one or more small bowls on your property and fill them when you fill the bags. This gives the animals easy access to water. Tip: The bowls should be deep enough in the ground so that there are no protruding edges so that even small rodents can get to the water to drink. Should it happen that your tree bag gets holes, you can find instructions on how to repair the holes with a few simple steps using household utensils in our article "Repairing tree bags". Leftover material patches and recycling patches as well as additional information on repairing tree bags can be requested from our customer support team.

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In fact, the number of "green" bags, known as irrigation bags, has increased significantly in recent years. And that is also important and a good thing, as climate change has continuously altered the climate in recent years. On average, it has become warmer almost everywhere in Europe, rainfall has decreased and dry periods are becoming noticeably longer. As a result, many plants and trees are suffering from an extreme lack of water, especially in the summer months. In many places, the mortality rate for urban trees has risen significantly, which is also due to the fact that city councils are increasingly reaching the limits of their resources when it comes to providing all trees with the necessary water due to the increasingly extreme climate situation . Watering aids such as the Baumbad watering bag can make a life-saving difference. The ease of use and practical design makes watering easier for city councils, tree lovers and those of us who want to get involved in preserving urban trees, and a process called drip irrigation can save water and a lot of time while keeping the soil around the trees moist for a relatively long period of time. Water seeps continuously into the root zone of the trees for several hours through small openings at the bottom of the filled tree bags. In this way, the health, resistance and vitality of our trees can be significantly increased. At the same time, by protecting and preserving them, we ensure that we can continue to benefit from the natural cooling mechanisms of urban trees in the future.Baumbad already works with many cities and municipalities throughout Germany. Ask in your city or town whether tree bags are already being used there, whether there is the possibility of tree sponsorships and/or how citizens can get involved in saving the trees, and feel free to contact our tree experts with any questions you may have .

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The capacity of a tree bath watering bag (20 ore 26 gallon) is designed for a tree circumference of up to 30 cm. This corresponds to a trunk diameter of approximately 9.6 cm. If a tree with a larger circumference/diameter is to be watered, we recommend the use of correspondingly more watering bags. Circumference up to: 30 cm (diameter: 9.6 cm) = 1 tree bagCircumference up to: 60 cm (diameter: 19.2 cm) = 2 tree bagsCircumference up to: 90 cm (diameter: 28.8 cm) = 3 tree bagsCircumference up to: 120 cm (diameter: 38.4 cm) = 4 tree bags, etc.Every drop is important to fill a tree's water reservoir. Especially during long dry periods, you can do your tree a lot of good with the tree watering bags. How much water individual trees need varies from species to species. Large trees usually have a very well-developed root system that reaches deep into the ground, so that they can often find water deep down, which is not accessible to younger trees, so it is important to supply them regularly with sufficient water, especially for new plantings so that they can develop the appropriate roots. The area under the tree bag, which is kept constantly moist by drip irrigation, is particularly important. We therefore recommend at least 20 gallon (one full bag) but preferably 40 gallon (two full bags) per watering cycle. For larger trees (and the use of several tree bags), all tree bags should be filled at least once.

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Every tree is a living being and stores water - in its leaves, branches, trunk and roots. This is similar to living organisms. When these reservoirs are full, the plants can survive for a long time without additional water. When a tree's reservoirs are depleted, the first sign is usually that the leaves are drooping. If you have the opportunity, the tree should be given additional support or watered from this point at the latest.the roots are the tool with which the trees absorb the water that is essential for survival. How far these roots reach depends, among other things, on the type of tree. As a rule of thumb, however, it can be said that the main root area can be estimated from the tree crown projected onto the ground. Where there is a shortage of water, the roots become longer and the trees move further apart. Most trees have another indispensable helper: mycorrhiza, a network of fungi in the soil. Through this symbiosis, these fungal threads increase the surface area of ​​the roots enormously and thus also their catchment area. (Source: https://www.lwf.bayern.de/wissenstransfer/forstcastnet/260900/)

Do you still have questions?

Just write to us and someone from our team will get back to you as soon as possible. Alternatively, we have ours tree knowledge guide, with many other topics that might interest you.

Interesting facts about trees and irrigation

Our tree knowledge blog

Great idea, easy to use and everything is perfect from order to delivery.

Michael K.

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