Water Garden | Shade Tree Commission Reminds Residents To Water Trees
The trees growing within the strips between the sidewalk and street are planted and maintained by the borough, yet homeowners bear the responsibilit for watering them. Street trees are especially vulnerable to drought-related stress because their root zones are often restricted by sidewalks, roads and driveways and are sometimes compromised by construction. Young street trees, with their limited root systems, are at the highest risk.
How can property owners help street and other trees get through the hot weather? Follow these simple suggestions:
Mulch to a depth of four inches in a wide circle around each tree. Pull mulch back to six inches away from tree trunks. Piling mulch against trunks, volcano-style, promotes disease (see photo on Page 7).
The larger the diameter of the tree, the more water it needs. There are many ways to water ” garden hose, soaker hoses, sprinklers. It is important to water deeply, allowing water to seep into the top six to eight inches of soil. Less frequent, deep watering is better than daily light watering. Water to hydrate the tree’s root zone, which is at least the diameter of its crown (branches).
The ideal time to water trees is between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. This is when trees replenish water deficits. The absence of the hot sun means less irrigation water is evaporated.
Watering existing trees is critical during
Click here to view rest of article from original site
|
|
|
