{"id":19246,"date":"2022-04-20T14:24:21","date_gmt":"2022-04-20T18:24:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/?p=19246"},"modified":"2022-04-20T14:27:32","modified_gmt":"2022-04-20T18:27:32","slug":"testing-well-water-and-soil-for-arsenic-when-growing-fruit-trees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/2022\/04\/20\/testing-well-water-and-soil-for-arsenic-when-growing-fruit-trees\/","title":{"rendered":"Should I test my well water and soil for arsenic when trying to grow fruit trees?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Question:<\/h3>\n

I have a low level of arsenic in my well water (between .01-.015 mg\/L). I understand that I can use water with up to .1 mg\/L arsenic to irrigate outdoor crops, but so far have been using rainwater to irrigate my outdoor garden. I am thinking of planting fruit trees in my yard. I don’t expect to have enough rain water to irrigate them as they are getting their roots established. Is it safe to water them with my well water? Should I get the soil tested as well, and if so, what would a safe soil arsenic level be for fruit trees?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Answer:<\/h3>\n

Abi Griffith, Horticulture Community Education Assistant<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

As you know, the levels of arsenic in your well water are low enough to use to water your crops, so it would still be ok to water fruit trees as well. I’m including two fact sheets for you to refer to if you need more information\/reassurance:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n