Tree Watering Rules: Mokena Consulting Arborist

Village of Mokena: While rain was more than plentiful the first half of the summer, the rising number of days without precipitation of late means those new trees planted in the parkways around your home over the past several years need watering.

Phil Graf, Mokena’s consulting arborist, is recommending these trees be watered twice a week
by taking a hose and letting it trickle 3-5 feet around the tree for 20 minutes. This will apply water where it is needed most—to the tree’s root system. You should avoid watering the trunk or foliage of the tree.

In the event of significant rainfall, Graf suggests waiting 3 days, then starting the twice-a-week
cycle of watering over again.

If heat and drought become more severe, Graf says you can water every other day. He cautions, however, that—no matter what—you should not water your tree every day. Need more information on the care of younger trees? Call the Village at (708) 479-3900.