Full Text
SUBSCRIBE: For more tips to keep your trees healthy. VISIT US: www.InvestFromTheGroundUp.org Facebook.com/InvestInTrees @InvestInTrees HELP YOUR TREES SURVIVE THE DROUGHT Trees and water are both precious resources. Trees don’t just make our houses feel like home–they also improve property values, clean our water & air, and even make our streets safer & quieter. When we water wisely and maintain our trees carefully, we enjoy a wide range of benefi ts at a low cost and with little effort. YOUNG TREES The roots of younger trees are less established & need easier access to water to establish deep root systems. THE RIGHT AMOUNT Water young trees twice per week (about 5 gallons) & mature trees once per week in several places (the equivalent of 1 to 1.5 inches of rain). THE RIGHT WAY During drought, water directly with a hose or 5-gallon bucket. THE RIGHT DEPTH Deep watering helps deep root growth & healthier trees. IN THE RIGHT PLACE Water the “drip zone,” area directly beneath the foliage & shaded by the tree. Also, add mulch to lower soil temperatures & reduce water evaporation. MATURE TREES Mature trees require MORE water when growing near heat traps such as driveways & house foundations. EXPOSED TREES Water loss is greater where trees are exposed to hot afternoon sun & strong or constant wind. THE RIGHT TIME Water early in the morning or after the sun has set as this is when trees replace the water they’ve lost during the day. Also less water is lost to evaporation at these times. Mulching your tree will also keep soils warmer in winter & cooler in summer. DECIDUOUS TREES The critical time for water is during bud-break in spring & bud formation in late summer. CONSERVE & RECYCLE WATER Inside; place buckets in the shower to collect water. Recycle water from the dehumidifi er, collect air conditioning condensation, & “save a fl ush” to conserve. Outside; convert irrigation systems to drip, low-fl ow or micro spray & fi x leaks. THE RIGHT CHOICE Plant native or drought resistant tree species that require less water. Choose trees over lawn as trees are a long term investment. DON’T WASTE WATER Water so that it soaks into the ground rather than running off into the drain. BE WATER-WISE. IT’S EASY. HERE’S HOW. │ CALIFORNIA URBAN FORESTS COUNCIL │ INVEST FROM THE GROUND UP │