The Village of Fox Point is strongly encouraging all residents that have trees that have been planted by Village staff within the past six years (2017 – 2022) to assist us with tree watering. Significant rain is not predicted for the next several weeks and soil moisture is at a critically low level. Many trees are in jeopardy of not surviving unless they receive supplemental watering now. The Village greatly appreciates your efforts in helping to preserve our newer urban forest residents.
Here are a few tips.
- Be sure to maintain 3 to 4 inches of mulch under these trees, keeping the mulch approximately 6” away from the trunk and avoid volcano mulching around the tree trunk.
- Control any weeds or turf growing underneath the tree, which compete with trees for water.
- Don’t fertilize drought-stressed trees.
- Prior to watering, check the soil moisture by inserting your finger through the mulch and into the soil 1 – 2” deep. If the soil is moist enough to stick to your finger – do not water. Do not water again until the soil checks dry.
- When you do water, add approximately 30 to 40 gallons of water; a slow running hose placed 12” from the trunk and moved in a circular pattern around the tree will sufficiently soak the soil.
- Changing weather conditions will change the need for watering, so always water based on soil moisture not on a pre-determined interval of time. Many plants are lost due to over watering in our heavy clay soils as to under watering.