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A Message from Alder Sue Ellingson:
The hot, dry weather conditions are stressful to newly planted trees.
Over 5,000 street trees planted over the last two years are in need of
watering.
The City is asking homeowners to help by watering their newly planted
trees in front of their house. The root systems of these recently planted
trees are not yet fully established and require some extra care. The city
tree(s) as well as your own newly planted trees may require six to eight
gallons of water every 10 days. Check the soil for moisture content. The
soil should be moist, not saturated. People are encouraged to water in the
early morning or early evening to minimize water loss from evaporation.
To Mulch or Not to Mulch?
The Dane County Tree Board advises using shredded bark mulch to help
retain soil moisture. Mulch is much better over tree roots than lawn
grass, which competes with tree roots for water. Never pile mulch up
against the trunk. Start mulching about four inches out from the trunk,
and don�t apply it any deeper than four inches. If the area has not been
mulched before, water the ground deeply before mulching. Then water again
after mulching to wet down the mulch so the next application of water is
more effective.
For additional tree care tips, visit the Forestry Division�s web page:
http://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/services/forestry/
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