Watering Trees for Tree Health

ahand-shaketreeservice.com

It is extremely important to water your trees. I will keep this very simple since it's not rocket science. :^)

First of all, Winters vary in Denver as you know. 10-12" of snow only equates to 1" of rain. So you need to water, or help your trees drink, at least three times a month depending on weather, temperature, and soil condition from April to September. Trees need to drink at least one to two times a month from October through March. Can you imagine if we did not drink enough water? We would become dehydrated and may need to be hospitalized.

Case in point,once when we worked a 97 degree day, I took my crew (which included me) to lunch. I encouraged my ground man to drink lots of water, but he wanted to drink lots of pop. Later that evening his wife did take him to the hospital.

Roots have different purposes. The feeder roots are the most important in regards to watering.  They are the roots that take in moisture in from the ground.  They are the smallest in diameter.  Most important fact is that if they become completely dehydrated, they will die and be severed from the tree. Thus, the tree will not be able to take in water from that root until it grows new follicles.

When watering trees use deep root feeder and go down about 6". If your depending on your lawn watering, remember your lawn soaks up most of the innitial moisture so double your time so your tree roots receive some water. A soaker can also be used, especially at the dripline. You can use a soil moisture tester to see if your watering properly.

Mulch is one of the best materials to retain moisture. Leave a few inches around the trunk free of mulch. Then apply mulch 3-4 inches in dept out 12" past the dripline of the tree. When the tree grows out extend the drip line. This is the point where the branches reach out to the sides. Organic mulch, evergreen needles, leaves, bark, branches, and wood, is the best type of mulch.

To avoid disease you need to keep your trees roots receiving moisture. Drought stressed trees are vulnerable to attact insects or pests, disease, and dieback of branches. Watch for these signs, keep your trees drinking on a regular basis, and call an arborist if you see any problems.

For more specific details on watering trees go to: http://www.watersaver.org/


Another time I will speak to tree trimming for health, and I will not talking about tree removal in this blog.  Woops, except there. 

We will give you a free evaluation of the health of your trees.

You may contact us at:

720-373-0707
johnthetreeguy@gmail.com

John Swiniarski

handshaketreeservice.com