Placement of emitters should avoid direct contact with which parts of the plant?

• A. The Bare Roots Of A Plant
• B. The Trunk Of The Plant Only
• C. The Trunk Or The Stem Of The Plant
• D. The Stem Of The Plant Only

Answer: (C)

Watering should target the root zone, not the plant’s above-ground woody parts. If an emitter sits on or touches the trunk or stem, it can damage bark, create entry points for pathogens, and promote decay in those tissues. The roots—the part that actually takes up water and nutrients—need the emitter’s jet or dripper to reach them, not the trunk or stems. So place emitters at soil level near the base, around the root zone, and keep them away from the trunk and stems. Bare roots are part of the root system, so watering near them is appropriate; the issue is avoiding contact with the trunk or stem.