In this extreme heat, have you noticed how trees help provide shade or noticed where there are lots of trees the temperature is cooler? Help our next generation of trees grow to be healthy by watering a tree near you. Our area is experiencing a drought that is impacting the many young trees planted in the last 1-3 years. Young trees require regular and deep watering to develop roots to withstand prolonged periods without rain. There are numerous young trees throughout the city that need help, including the trees planted in the tree boxes. The tree box is the green space between the sidewalk and the street. This is a particularly harsh environment for young trees because the soil dries out more quickly because of the concrete. If you have a young tree near your residence, please help keep our city green!
How to water the tree box tree:
- Water SLOWLY. When the ground is hard and dry – water will run off if too much is applied too quickly.
- If possible, place a hose a foot or so from the base of the tree and turn it on to a trickle. Let it run for an hour or so, occasionally moving the hose nozzle to provide water to the entire root zone of the tree. Be sure to monitor so no one trips on the hose.
- If a hose doesn’t work, bucketing water to the tree is an option. It is best to pour in small amounts. This requires some patience to make sure the water is absorbed. At least 10 gallons, or two 5-gallon buckets, is sufficient.
- After you’ve saturated the soil around the tree, remember to do it again weekly.
Questions? Please contact treecommission@mountrainiermd.org