Trees are under siege | Opinion
Young trees require more frequent watering during drought than mature trees. In these conditions, trees should be watered twice weekly with five to 15 gallons of water from June through October. From November to May, watering can be reduced to once a week.
For mature trees, a monthly watering from April through October will suffice. Ideally, this should be a deep watering with a soaker hose to help the water reach a depth of eight to 12 inches. This method can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours, but will help ensure minimal runoff with maximum water uptake. If possible, water large trees twice a month during warmer months and then monthly, or not at all, from November to March. Before watering, verify your local water restrictions to ensure compliance with city code. To tell if your tree needs more water, check the leaves. If leaves are browning on the edges and drooping or wilting, your tree will most likely need more water. Conversely, green leaves that easily fall off may mean your tree gets too much water. Excessively wet soil conditions can deprive roots of oxygen, suffocating them. I recommend that homeowners poke a long screwdriver into the soil. If it is difficult to push into the ground and no soil is sticking to the shaft, it’s time to water. If the screwdriver moves into the soil easily and has soil sticking to it when pulled out, the ground is still holding some moisture.Another way to protect trees in drought is to mulch. Organic mulch has the ability to reduce water evaporation by approximately 35% compared to bare soil. Applying the right amount of mulch can significantly reduce the amount and frequency of necessary watering. Mulch also acts as an insulator to help keep tree roots cool in summer. Choose an organic mulch if possible, as it will break down over time and add nutrients to the soil. Start with two to four inches of mulch spread around the tree, underneath the canopy. Alternatively, you can use an inch of compost and cover it with an inch of mulch. Avoid piling mulch up against the trunk of a tree in a volcano form. This can create a damp hideaway that will attract diseases and pests. When planting new trees or replacing ones that need to be removed, consider choosing a tree known for being water-wise or drought resistant in our region. Native tree species such as live oak, cedar elm or desert willow require less water and maintenance. You should also opt for trees with smaller leaves that can cool more quickly and exhibit better water efficiency than trees with larger leaves.
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