The Right Way to Plant New Trees: Why You Need a Ring Bowl

Earth Works Gardens · Planting & Installation

Creating a ring bowl for a newly planted tree — Earth Works Gardens

We just got a fresh shipment of palm trees in, and that means planting season is in full swing. This week on Grow Better Weekly, we’re talking about one of the simplest — and most important — steps after planting a tree: creating a ring bowl (also called a rain bowl). It may look basic, but this small soil berm can make a huge difference in helping your tree establish strong, healthy roots.

Watch A How-To Video With Matt:

How to Create a Ring Bowl

Making a ring bowl is simple and only takes a few minutes.

Step-by-Step

Use extra soil from the planting hole (or additional soil if needed).
Build a raised ring of soil around the outer edge of the root ball.
Shape it like a donut, leaving the center hollow.
Make sure the ring is high enough to hold water when filling.

The goal is to create a basin so water pools around the root ball instead of running away.

Why a Ring Bowl Matters

✓It directs water exactly where your tree needs it most – the root ball.
✓It helps capture rainwater instead of letting it run off.
✓It prevents irrigation from spreading too far away from young roots.
✓It encourages deeper root growth during the critical establishment phase.

Freshly planted trees need consistent moisture. A ring bowl helps ensure they get it.

Water Schedule for New Trees

Once your ring bowl is built, watering becomes much more effective.

For a tree this size:

Recommended Schedule

First month

Hose on a trickle for 15–20 minutes every day.

Second month

Every other day.

Third month

Gradually reduce to 2–3 times per week.

(Adjust timing based on tree size, root ball size, and rainfall.)

Set the hose on a slow trickle and let the ring fill. This slow soak encourages deeper root growth and better establishment.

Uses in the Landscape

Ring bowls are especially important for newly planted palms and larger trees that need consistent moisture while roots establish. Without a basin, water can run off or spread too thinly across the surrounding soil. This simple technique helps maximize both irrigation and rainfall — making it one of the easiest ways to protect your investment in new trees.

A ring bowl may look simple, but it plays a big role in helping newly planted trees thrive. By directing water straight to the root ball and following a consistent watering schedule, you give your tree the best chance at strong, healthy growth. If you’re planting new trees this season, stop by Earth Works — we’ve got plenty in stock, and we’re happy to help you grow better.

Happy gardening from Earth Works Gardens!