Keep your trees healthy and hydrated this summer
Is your newly planted tree thirtsy? You may need to water trees planted in the spring or summer one to three times a week in the first few months after planting. Water early in the morning or evening so the tree roots have a chance to absorb most of the water and the sun can’t evaporate it away.
Check the moisture level in the soil near the tree’s trunk (four to six inches below the surface) at least once a week, and more often during hot, dry weather. If the soil feels moist or damp you can hold off on watering, if it is dry you need to water your tree. The soil should be moist, but not saturated after watering.
Newly planted trees need regular and consistent watering for optimal growth and health. A gallon of water is equal to about one inch of rainfall.
- Immediately after planting and mulching – 5-15 gallons, depending on container size
- Week 1 – 2 gallons of water per diameter inch of trunk daily
- Week 2 – 2 gallons per diameter inch 4-5 days per week
- Week 3 – 2 gallons per diameter inch 2-3 days per week
- Week 4 and thereafter – 2 gallons per diameter inch once per week
Trees for Kids grant applications due August 22
The popular Trees for Kids grant program is accepting applications through August 22 to plant trees in public areas of communities (park, community center, public school, etc.) this fall.
Grantees can be awarded up to $2,500 to purchase trees and mulch. Youth are required to be engaged in the process, most often helping to plant the trees on site.
Studies show trees planted around schools and in neighborhoods give youth increased levels of concentration, lower levels of aggression, lower levels of obesity and fewer symptoms of ADHD.
