Help your trees survive the dog days of summer
In these dry, scorching days of summer, tree experts and the City of Minneapolis are offering tips on how to help your trees weather the heat. While folks are quick to water their lawns and gardens to keep them green, many forget about their trees.
Trees that are five years old or younger are vulnerable to hot, dry conditions and can die if their young roots dry out, states a release from the Minneapolis Tree Advisory Commission, which reminds residents to water the 3,500 new boulevard trees planted by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board this year.
Young trees should be watered for a couple of hours once or twice a week. to do so, place your garden hose at the base of the tree, turn the water on and leave it.
For bigger, more established trees, use a sprinkler. To measure the amount of water necessary, place a few cans or buckets near the tree and turn off the sprinkler once the containers have two inches of water in them.
The best time to water is from 10 p.m.-8 a.m., when less water is lost to evaporation and trees make the most effective use of water.
In the coming months, S&S Tree Specialists will be sharing its tree-care expertise through its own series of releases. Watch The Bridge Online for information about mulching during a watering ban, the fundamentals of tree care, drought resistant species, and for pruning and planting tips.
last revised: August 1, 2007