Do soil moisture meters work? I planted 4 small trees and I tend to over water.?

Question

Do soil moisture meters work? I planted 4 small trees and I tend to over water.?

Answer 1

Yes and No.  If you go to a garden supply shop ask for advice on which to get.  I would recommend one that is in the middle of the price range.  Make sure it is designed to test for trees and not house plants.

Answer 2

No, they don't work.  Moisture meters are a classic case of: "if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is."  Otherwise, we would all have moisture meters and perfectly watered gardens.

Think about checking your soil for moisture as if you are a detective.  Get down there and scratch the soil surface.  If the top 2 inches are dry, your tree could use some water.  If your feeling some moisture, don't water and check again the next day.  It will only take you a couple of weeks and you won't even need to touch the soil, you'll just know.

Good luck.