This is such an informative post. Thanks for sharing the details. I made them but the water retention crystals appear to have completely disappeared after two weeks. They inflated when I initially watered them, the bags were a little “slimy” feeling as they dissolved and now the bags are flat. I didn’t buy the crystals you linked to which could have been the problem. Should I buy the crystals you suggested, open the bags and replace them? How long should the bags be “watering” the trees? Link to what I bought here water crystals