Troubleshooting
Tree I-V itself is a very simple device that always works when used where, and as, intended. When issues arise, it usually stems from improper installation, poor soil types and conditions, or pre-conceived expectations of week-long drain time. If you are not satisfied with performance, please find your issue below.
Drains fast onto the surface – In most cases, the Injector was not installed to full-depth. Water is surfacing around the outside of the Injector. This can be easily mistaken for a bad seal, but our seal system is actually fool-proof. Erosion from the leak makes it necessary to move the Injector to a new location around the tree. Full depth is determined when the wide flange makes solid contact with the soil surface. If this does not solve your problem, please let us know!
Drains too fast (but not on surface) – Quick-drains are normal on newly planted trees as aerated soil is settled. This is good news. Fully settled soil improves the effectiveness of the undersized root system, by maximizing soil contact with the feeder roots. Drain times should eventually normalize to around 15 minutes, determined only by the percolation rate of your soil. Different soils with various levels of saturation will absorb water at different rates. We say "The faster the better", because fully soaking the entire root system at once allows all feeder roots to uptake nutrients. Full soak, let dry, & repeat.
If you are still dissatisfied with the drain time, please let us know why slow watering is important. You can use duct tape to slow flow, but there is no advantage to it with deep root feeding.
Drains too slow – This can be a problem with hardened or clay soil, especially on mature trees.
- For small new trees – Install Injector in the loosened soil just beyond the root ball.
- For machine planted trees – Install in the loosened region between native soil and new soil.
- For mature trees – Tight soil can be problematic, unlike the loose soil on new trees. If your reservoir sits full for 24 hours, locating the Injector to another location usually solves the problem. If not, you can use a 5/8” dowel rod to plunge inside the Injector. The plunging action opens pores in the soil to get flow started.
Injector won't go in the ground - Drive a screwdriver in and wallow it around slightly for a starter hole. If the hole is too big water may flow back up to the surface. If that happens, pick another spot. Undisturbed soil like that found with established trees can be rock hard in dry times, we understand. While these are not the recommended applications for Tree I-V, they will work with with a little extra effort and patience.
Water is resurfacing - A high volume seal leak is not possible unless components are damaged. Please revisit “Drains fast onto the surface” solution
Reservoirs blowing around - Loosely tie the handle to your tree with twine.
Kids won't go outside - Tell them to go water the trees!
Please contact us if you are still dissatisfied!