Arlington Heights Residents: Help Save Newly Planted Trees

Residents are now being asked by the village forestry department to help keep the newly planted parkway trees alive, by filling the white ‘Gator Bags’ which are installed around the trunk of the trees.

“Please help the Village of Arlington Heights maintain and restore its urban forest by helping to water the newly planted parkway trees,” said Ashley Ellwanger, forestry technician and certified arborist with the Village of Arlington Heights.

Residents can fill the bags by following these instructions, which are also stated on the white tag at the top of the bag:

1. Lift white tag at the top of the bag to access opening.
2. Insert hose in opening under tag and begin filling.
3. Fill bag approximately ¼ full, and then lift black straps.
4. Resume filling – fill to maximum capacity or desired level.
5. Bag will empty in approximately 5-9 hours.
6. Fill bag 2-4 days per week during normal weather periods. During drought or periods of dryness fill bag at least every other day.

You can also view this video for instructions on how to do this [which is also clickable to the right of this article]. 

Foresters have begun to notice that the bags are not always being refilled with water, and ask that if you don’t have a tree in your parkway, to please pass the message on to residents who do.

Indicators that the trees need water include when the soil around them appears to be cracking. Watering should also be done more consistently during drought conditions.

The throughout the village. 

For more information, contact Ashley Ellwanger, Public Works Department, Forestry Division at 847.368.5849.