Tree Watering Guide
Amber Ramirez, Urban Forester
Trees need water to live and grow. Spokane is a high desert like environment where trees lose large amounts of water through their leaves to keep cool on hot days.
The most critical factor for the survival of city trees is adequate watering. When the soil feels dry—a couple of inches below the surface—it’s time to water. Check your tree for watering needs from April through October to prevent decline.
Establish a weekly watering routine. Leave a hose out near the drip line of your tree with the water running slowly so it can be deeply absorbed by the soil for 20-30 minutes per week or set out a sprinkler on a low setting for the same amount of time.
Some of the benefits that trees provide are air filtration, storm water collection and filtration, shade and cooling, increased property value and aesthetic, traffic calming, better health outcomes, food and habitat for wildlife among so many others.
The "bucket method" is a great way to slowly apply water to newly planted trees. The water gets right down into the root ball area using this method. Newly planted trees need approximately 10-20 gallons per week for the first few years to get established, although even larger trees require some watering during the hot summer months. Most trees need about 5 gallons per inch in diameter and can vary by species.
The bucket method simply uses 5-gallon buckets with small holes drilled at the base to accurately and slowly apply water. Just place by the tree and fill up 3-4 times a week. We will be distributing these free tree watering buckets (and drilling templates for making your own) through the SpoCanopy Program.
Also - if you'd like a FREE street tree and can ensure watering, please sign up at https://landscouncil.org/urban-canopy
