Watering Trees

                               Trees require water, but   improper

                               watering practices can cause serious

                                damage. For instance, over watering

                               is one of the primary causes of failure in recently transplanted trees. Over watering forces oxygen out of the soil and results in oxygen starvation of roots. This causes root death and leads to the decline of the tree. The yellowing of foliage, first developing low and on the inside of the tree and progressing to the outer leaves, is an indication of oxygen starvation.

Avoid frequent light watering. This promotes the development of shallow root systems that are susceptible to winter injury and summer heat stress. Water infrequently but deeply (at least 6 to 8 inches) and allow the soil to dry out some between applications. Most tree roots are not very deep (within the upper 6 to 12 inches of soil), and deep roots will receive water if enough is applied to the soil surface. Again, be careful not to over water established trees and avoid applying water directly to the trunk.

Water with an open-end hose at a rate low enough to keep the water from running off. A quick rule of thumb for watering trees is to water one hour per inch diameter of the tree. Remember, tree roots extend away from the tree at least as far as the tree is tall, and in most cases much farther. Place the hose at or beyond the drip line for the most effective watering.

MULCHING around the tree's base reduces soil moisture loss, improves water and air penetration, and keeps soil temperatures more stable. These conditions are helpful for root growth and therefore improve tree vigor. Wood chips, shredded bark, dried grass clippings or pine needles all can be used for mulch. Cover the area with mulch about 3 to 4 inches deep. Avoid mounding mulch next to the tree trunk.

Do NOT fertilize newly transplanted trees.  It stimulates new growth and concentrate the trees resources away from establishing good root system.

(Source:university extension service website)

 

Watering grass is simple.

The general rule is to water heavily, when the lawn really needs it, rather than watering lightly more frequently. If you water lightly, the water won't make it down into the soil so it won't do much good. You should water enough to soak 6 to 8 inches deep, encouraging the roots to grow deep into the ground. Watering recommendations vary between different soil types, but as a general rule, water until there is about an inch of water over the ground surface.

Water as soon as the grass starts to dry out. Its color will change from green to bluish grey, and it will lose some of its bounce. If the grass doesn't spring back a few seconds after you step on it, it needs water. The best time to water is in the early morning; the water won't evaporate as easily as in the afternoon, and it will cool the lawn down as temperatures start to climb. (Evenings are fine, also.)

              www.howtodostuff.com

Well, all the indicators are that we  are in for a long hot summer so here are some guidelines for watering

We do want the park to look nice and so we  encourage responsible watering.  We don’t want to waste the water so ask that you water properly and put out something to measure how much you are putting on.  For example put out an empty 5.5 oz cat food can when it is full you have put on about an inch of water. You may also use a cup marked to one inch or a rain gauge.   Any thing less is a waste of water.  After  you have found out how long to water to deliver an inch, use a timer.  Test depth of watering by poking screwdriver into the ground until it hits solid.

To give you an idea,  I water the greens every 5 to 7 days for 4 hours to get one inch.

People out here during the week please don’t water on the weekends as volume is limited.

Attention - pine trees

If you have one of our new pine trees please

do not water it as we are doing that