I normally ignore ads in local newspapers but my eye caught a nice ad from City of Surrey. It’s reminding us that street trees need water just like our own trees and gardens. Especially trees under five metres tall. Older more established trees can handle a few weeks of dry weather because they have well-established roots.
How to water street trees
I like to use a standard garden hose without a nozzle and slow-soak the trees along the drip-line. Drip line means the ground directly below the tip of the furthest reaching branches. I see many people spray their trees and shrubs with the same sprays used for flowers.
Yes, it takes more time but slow-soaking trees is the best way to water them.
City recommendations
This is what the City of Surrey recommends:
- use a hose equipped with an automatic shut-off nozzle
- water twice per week for 15 minutes with a steady stream of water (about 20L)
- water at the drip-line
The City of Surrey will also provide you with watering bags if you have young trees on your street.
Plant stress
Water stressed trees can drop their leaves prematurely and be more susceptible to pests and diseases. Recently I had residents point out problems with their plants and all of them were clearly water stressed. It starts with adequate watering. Pests appear when the plants are weak and stressed.
