After planting, watering will depend on a number of factors including the weather, your soil type, and how fast the tree is growing.
Generally, young trees need more water in order for roots to get established; however, you don’t want to overwater your tree, especially if you have slow-draining soil. As a rule of thumb, you should water your tree when the soil around it is on the verge of becoming dry; you can check moisture by digging a small hole near the trunk with your finger. This might be daily during a particularly hot or dry spell, but most likely weekly in most weather.
Title: How to Properly Water Your Trees
Author/Source: The Arbor Day Foundation
Description: Very basic information regarding properly watering trees (all kinds, not just fruit). Discusses frequency and amount, and includes a video about how to tell if your tree needs watering.
Tree Watering Needs and Depth
A tree should receive 1 to 1.5 gallons of water for every inch of trunk caliper; the caliper is determined by measuring the trunk diameter at 6 inches above the ground (for diameters up to 4 inches) or 12 inches above the ground (for diameters more than 4 inches). You can set up a drip hose around your tree to water regularly and evenly on the desired schedule. During a tree’s winter dormancy, normal rain and snowfall in Westchester County should provide sufficient water. You might need to water during an extensive dry spell, however. You can get a sense of your tree’s water needs by checking its leaves; overwatering tends to cause yellowed leaves while under-watering causes curled leaves. After a few seasons, you will have a better grasp of how your soil, the local climate, and your variety of tree all factor into its watering schedule.
Title: How Much Water Should One Give a Fruit Tree?
Author/Source: SF Gate
Description: A fruit tree-specific guide to watering.