Residents Reminded to Water Trees

The following message is from the :

The lack of snow this winter and the scant rainfall received so far this spring has resulted in very dry soil conditions. During times of drought, trees must be given top priority over your lawn. If stress from drought does not kill a tree outright, it can set it up for a secondary disease or insect infestations in coming years. Newly planted and young trees are especially vulnerable as the root system is not well established. Trees growing within a restricted area (trees on the parkway, next to a driveway or house, etc.) and trees that have recently received root injury due to construction work are also in danger of drought injury. Supplemental watering during times of drought will help ensure long time health of your trees.

Deep watering to a depth of six inches to 12 inches below soil surface is recommended. Residents are encouraged to water slowly to get the water down to the tree roots. A general rule is to use approximately 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter each time you water or approximately one inch of water. Set a garden hose to a very slow flow. Water close to the trunk first and work your way out from there. Repeat every week during a severe drought.