No doubt we’ve seen a bit of rain this week which is much needed. But even with that, the City of Grand Rapids wants residents to water their trees and supplement the recent shower activity.
A news release says Grand Rapids had only 20 percent of normal rainfall in May and June is expected to be at least as dry. The City’s Forestry division says that dry conditions, especially this early in the summer season, can have devastating effects on trees and other landscape plants.
Officials says water helps trees make it through the hot summer months with less stress. Younger or newly planted trees are at greatest risk, but even larger established trees will benefit from supplemental water. [While residents should consider water use conservation, watering trees can help maintain our tree canopy, helping to clean the air, absorb greenhouse gasses/carbon, provide shade, reduce heat island effect/temperatures, and create breathable air.]
The Forestry division is offering some tips for helping trees weather drought conditions which include
Slow and steady watering is needed to reach tree roots. They say trees have deeper roots than turf.
For large or established trees, you should water under the tree canopy moving the hose or sprinkler every few hours and reduce the flow, if water is seen running off the site.
These are just a few tips. More information can be found at the Friends of Grand Rapids website at friendsofgrparks.org.
