City recommends following tree watering guidelines

MEDIA RELEASE:

WINNIPEG July 27, 2006 - Given that many trees in Winnipeg are beginning to show signs of dry weather stress, the City’s Urban Forestry Branch is encouraging citizens to follow these guidelines in caring for their trees.

Dry weather injury symptoms may include such things as wilting, curling at the edges and yellowing of leaves. Deciduous trees may develop leaf scorch or browning on the outside edges of the leaf. Conifer needles may turn yellow or reddish and possibly brown. Leaves may sometimes appear smaller than normal. Some species such as Manitoba Maple and Poplar have already begun to shed their leaves.

Extreme dry weather conditions do not usually kill established trees outright, but it may weaken the tree and allow secondary insects and diseases (including Dutch Elm Disease) to become better established. Particularly vulnerable are newly planted trees (within the past 2 years). Some of these trees are now beginning to die because their roots are not well established.

“Watering your trees is critical at the moment, and will help your trees survive and thrive through these warm temperatures,” says City Forester Dave Domke, “without additional moisture trees will continue to show signs of on-going drought injury.”

Tips for Homeowners

• Water your trees preferably with a “deep watering” to a depth of at least 30 cm (12”) below the surface.
• The water should be applied under the “dripline” of the tree. The dripline is found by taking the outermost branches of the tree and dropping an imaginary line to the ground
• This is best done by slow watering such as by an inverted “soaker hose”. Soak the ground slowly until you can place you foot on the ground and a small puddle will form.
• Another method is to water using a deep root feeder which actually is a “pin” that is attached to your garden hose and inserted approximately 12” into the ground.
• In hot weather, trees prefer infrequent watering perhaps once a week with a long slow watering. Watering your turf isn’t enough under warm conditions.
• In September, watering should be reduced to once every two weeks in order to help the tree get prepared for winter.
• A final “freeze up” watering in October is always a good idea to ensure your trees are ready for the winter.