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Young trees need your help during the hot, dry summer months. Vancouver Urban Forestry, a branch of the City of Vancouver’s Public Works Department, reminds residents that watering trees now leads to healthier trees later. Here are some simple tips on helping trees beat the summer heat:
Start with a good mulching around the base of trees. Bark chips make effective mulch, using the 3-3-3 rule: 3 inches of mulch in a 3-foot ring with a 3-inch space around the tree trunk.
Water regularly. Young trees need 10-15 gallons of water once per week during the summer months. Older trees may need extra water during hot spells, too. How much water? It depends on the tree size. A general rule of thumb is to use approximately 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter each time you water. The mulch will help reduce evaporation, as will watering in the late evening or early morning.
Water slowly, dispersing the flow to reach deep down to tree’s roots. Watering for short periods of time will encourage shallow rooting, which can lead to more drought damage. Here are some options to prevent wasteful runoff and ensure deep watering:
- Let a low flow of water from a hose run for 15 minutes at the base of the tree.
- Punch holes in bottoms of 5-gallon buckets, fill with water, and place at base of the tree.
- Install a slow-release, watering bag made for trees and plants.
The City of Vancouver is proud to have been recognized as a “Tree City USA” each year for the past 29 years. Vancouver’s trees provide natural canopies for neighborhoods, clean our air and water, and enhance the quality of life for all. Please help preserve and protect these important assets by watering trees during hot, dry summer months. View our video with summer tree care watering tips at www.facebook.com/VancouverPublicWorks.
Interested in learning more? Join Vancouver Urban Forestry on an upcoming tree walk, other event or a hands-on workshop. For more information, including a list of tree care tips, visit the Urban Forestry webpage at www.cityofvancouver.us/urbanforestry or call (360) 487-8308.