During the hot, dry months of summer, young trees need extra care, according to Vancouver’s Urban Forestry Program.
Trees should have about 3 inches of mulch in a 3-foot ring with a 3-inch space around the tree trunk. Young trees need 10 to 15 gallons of water once per week during the summer. Older trees may need extra water during hot spells. The department recommends about 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter each watering.
Water should also be applied slowly to penetrate down to the deep roots. Short watering periods can cause shallow rooting.
The department also recommends allowing a low flow of water from a hose to run at the base of the tree for 15 minutes. You could also punch a hole in the bottoms of 5-gallon buckets, fill with water, and place at the base of the tree. There are also tree-specific slow-release watering bags that can be placed around the trunk.
For more information, visit www.cityofvancouver.us/urbanforestry.
