That’s right! Watering and taking care of our trees is a great way to conserve water. When we water our trees, we allow them to absorb water deep into their root systems. This helps them develop to provide shade and cooler temperatures during the summer. Trees are also an important part of flood control thanks to their expansive root system that keeps soil in place and prevents run-off during heavy storms.
When we don’t water our trees, we risk losing them! That’s why most water agencies encourage you to water your trees year-round, but especially during the summer and drought. So, how can we all start caring for our trees?
Knowing when it’s time to water.
Check the soil moisture near the roots. The easiest way to check is to poke a long screwdriver six inches into the soil. If the soil is soft, the tree has enough water. If it’s hard, it’s time to water.
Water trees slowly and thoroughly.
Avoid watering too close to the trunk. Use a soaker hose, a sprinkler attachment on a low setting, or a drip system, to water at the root zone below the surface.
How much water does a tree need?
Trees younger than three years need more water. Five gallons of water 2-4 times per week is enough. Although you want to check and make sure you are watering more often on extremely hot days.
Established trees older than three years need less water. When you water them allow the water to slowly soak in to the root 12-18 inches below the surface.
What else helps save our trees and water?
Watering is key to keeping your trees healthy, but never underestimate the power of mulching! 4-6 inches of mulch or leaf litter is a great alternative to lawn or turf around trees. Mulch helps retain moisture around your trees preventing water from evaporating and allowing trees to absorb. Many cities and agencies offer free mulch, so be sure to look online to see if there are any programs in your area.
Avoid pruning during dry seasons. Too much pruning increases the stress on your trees, making them seem thirstier than they are.
California needs trees and trees need water. Remember to take care of your trees to help them develop shade to help save water in the long run.
