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. Healthy Trees, Healthy Communities Young Tree Care The two most important needs for young tree health are water and protection. For that we need your help. Thank you! Inside Young Tree Care Tips Watering Instructions The Value of Trees Your young tree is part of our valuable urban forest. Trees... are the most beautiful solution to global climate change. Trees... remove CO2 and other greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Trees... clean our air, removing particulates and other harmful pollutants. Tree roots... filter rain water and runoff, cleaning and recharging drinking water resources. Trees... slow the rush of rain water to the storm system, protect creeks, prevent flooding, and reduce storm management costs for cities. Trees... provide cooling shade and reduce energy costs. Trees... raise property values and sell houses at higher prices. The first 5 years are critical for the long-term health of a tree. Water Young trees require regular watering for good health and disease prevention. Deep watering prevents surface roots. Conserve Water/Preserve Trees! Increase watering for trees during drought, conserve water in other areas of your home and landscape. Weekly watering costs less than $1/mo. Weed Keep the base of the tree free of weeds, lawn, and other plants. Plants and weeds compete with the tree for water and nutrients. Protect Protect trunk from damage by weed whackers and mowers. Mulch around trees protects young roots from drying out and suppresses weeds. Do NOTprune or fertilize young trees for at least 2 years. ---PAGE BREAK--- For more helpful information visit www.canopy.org. Canopy is a nonprofit working to promote a healthy urban forest by educating, inspiring and engaging residents and city governments in Palo Alto and neighboring communities. Maintenance Division, 215-4369 Conserve water, preserve trees... Follow “smart watering” guidelines! Is your tree thirsty? Check Soil Moisture. Once a week, 4-6 inches deep. Soil should be moist not wet. Watch for signs of drought stress. Are leaves wilting, yellowing, curling or browning at the edges? Mulch to conserve moisture. Cover the soil with a 3–4 inch layer of mulch extending 1–2 feet from the tree. Lawn irrigation does not provide adequate irrigation for trees. Lawn irrigation or light sprinkling for just 5–10 minutes waters only a few inches of soil and encourages surface root Is your young tree protected? Choosing a tree? Select the right tree. Tree preservation begins with planting the right tree in the right place. For example: • Plant drought-tolerant species to ease water requirements. • Plant small trees in small spaces and under power lines. • Plant medium-large trees to create shady play areas or on the west and south sides of buildings for energy conservation. Protect trees from lawn equipment. Cuts in the bark interrupt transport of water and nutrients and expose the tree to infection by pests and diseases. Protect young trees from chemicals. Fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides can burn or damage a young tree’s roots and leaves. Watering options: 1. Watering Basin Build a soil berm around the tree to hold 10–15 gallons; fill each week (a medium pressure hose fills a 10 gallon basin in 5 minutes). 2. Soaker Hoses Install soaker hoses around the tree in coils out to the drip line; cover with mulch and run on low for 1–3 hours. 3. Garden Hose Place a hose end at the base of the tree; turn water onto low pressure for 30 minutes or trickle for 2–3 hours. 4. 5-Gallon Buckets (use 2 or 3) Drill 3–5 holes in the bottom of the buckets and place them around the tree. Fill the buckets with water and leave to drain. Deep watering young trees: How often should I deep water? Summer: once each week. Winter: once each month. How much water is needed? Use 10 –15 gallons per young tree or inch of trunk diameter. Where? Saturate the soil to a depth of 12 inches below the soil surface out to the “drip line” of the outer-most branches and leaves.