Baseline Systems BaseStation 1000 - Manual (Page 13)

BaseStation 1000 Irrigation Controller Manual
Trees and Shrubs
If trees and shrubs are watered separately, a moisture sensor is an excellent tool to maintain their
health and beauty. Typically, multiple trees are watered by the same zone. If so, choose an average
tree, and install the biSensor in the top 1/3 of the root zone of the tree.
biSensor in the top 1/3 of the root zone of an established tree
Angling the sensor can monitor a deeper soil profile for trees that have deep root structures.
If the tree is watered with drip emitters or bubblers, install the sensor in a location that is not
directly under the emitter or bubbler to avoid partial watering of the whole root zone of the tree. If
multiple emitters are used for a single tree, a good rule of thumb is to install the sensor roughly
half way between two emitters and as much inside the root mass of the tree as possible without
damaging the roots.
Note: Root depth and water requirements for trees and shrubs vary much more greatly than for
turf. Consult an experienced Arborist or Master Gardener for specific guidelines for watering trees.
Most trees are watered along with turf in commercial landscapes. In this case, Baseline
recommends that you install biSensors in the turf areas and that you adjust the default run times of
zones with trees to ensure water application to 12 inches or whatever is required to optimize tree
health.
Installing biSensors with New Trees
In the case of new landscape with newly installed trees that are watered separately from turf
zones, it is important to make sure that the sensor is located as close to the root ball in the top 1/3
of the root ball as possible. Watering new trees with a sensor based watering strategy is a good
way to avoid inadvertently “drowning” new trees and shrubs due to overwatering.
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