Summer Tree Watering Tips For Claremont Residents

Press release from the City of Claremont:

06/16/2021

It’s hot! During hot weather, it is important that trees are watered properly. Providing adequate water on a regular basis will reduce the chance of drought stress on trees. Symptoms of drought stress to trees can be sudden or occur gradually over time. They can include wilting, leaves curling at the edges, yellowing, dropping and thinning of the tree’s canopy. Often, drought stress may not kill a tree outright, but weaken its natural defense system so it is more susceptible to more serious secondary insect and disease infestation.

It is very important for young trees to receive weekly supply of water during hot weather to ensure their survival, but do not forget many mature trees need adequate water as well. An old-fashioned hose on a slow drip is one option. Move it around so that the soil is moist under the entire canopy of the tree. Alternatively, a water bag at the base of a small or young tree allows for a quick fill and slow release of water over an extended period of time, which encourages deep watering.

How much water your tree should receive depends on the tree size. A general rule of thumb is to use approximately 10 gallons of water per inch diameter for each watering. Using a hose at medium pressure will take approximately 5 minutes to produce 10 gallons of water. General formula for watering: Tree Diameter x 5 minutes = Total Watering Time.

Additional tree maintenance procedures that can significantly increase a tree’s chance of surviving through hot summer months:

• Mulch around trees with 4” of mulch to reduce moisture loss. Pull back mulch 6” form the trunk of the tree.
• Use wood chips, shredded bark, leaves, or evergreen needles as mulch.
• Avoid the use of stone or rock near trees as these increase air temperatures and moisture loss.
• Avoid the use of plastic weed barriers around the base of trees and tree roots as plastic barriers prevent water penetration.
• Do not use fertilizers during hot summer months. Salts in fertilizers may burn roots when there isn’t sufficient water. Fertilizers may also stimulate top growth resulting in too much leaf area in the plant for the root system to maintain during periods of low soil moisture.

For more information on trees and proper tree care, please contact Community Services at (909) 399-5431 or visit this link..

This press release was produced by the City of Claremont. The views expressed here are the author’s own.