Denvers tree canopy provides many benefits to our urban environment.Many of the trees in the city are already under stress from last years dry winter and this years hot, dry summer and will need extra care this year to survive. Previously, trees have been watered when sprinklers were watering the surrounding grass. This year, with lawn irrigation stopping October 1, trees must be watered by hand or with a deep root feeder or soaker hose. You may water trees using these methods on any day after October 1st.
Periods of drought are common on
Root systems can spread 2-3 times wider than the height of the tree. Most of the tree's absorbing roots are in the top 12 inches of the soil. Water should be applied within the dripline (see below). Water deeply and slowly, moistening the critical root zone to a depth of 12 inches. Methods for watering include a deep root fork or needle, soaker hose or by hand with a soft-spray wand. If using the deep root fork or needle, insert the device into the soil NO DEEPER than 8 inches.
v Water deeply and slowly. Apply water so it
moistens the critical root zone to a depth of twelve inches. Methods for watering include
a deep root fork or needle, soaker hose or soft spray wand.
Apply water to many locations under dripline.
If a deep root fork or needle is used, insert the device no deeper than
eight inches into the soil.
v How much water should I apply? As a general
survival rule, apply ten gallons of water for each diameter inch of the tree. For example,
a two-inch diameter tree will need twenty gallons per watering. Use a ruler to measure
your trees diameter.
v When should I water? Fall and winter watering, October March,
one to two times per month, depending on weather, temperature and soil conditions. Spring and summer watering, April
September, three times per month, depending on weather and watering restrictions.
v Mulch helps conserve soil moisture. Apply organic mulch within the dripline, at a depth of four
inches. Leave a six-inch space between the
mulch and trunk of trees. Mulch materials may include wood chips, bark, leaves and
v Consistent moisture is needed. Drought stressed trees are more vulnerable to
disease and insect infestations and branch dieback. Keep a watchful eye for anything that
looks out of the ordinary.
Watering times (in minutes) once or twice per month
Temperature and Weather Dependent ( >40 degrees, no snow cover)
Photo: Judy Sedbrook
Images and Information: Denver Water
© CSU/Denver County Extension Master Gardener 2010
888 E. Iliff Avenue, Denver, CO 80210
Date last revised: 01/05/2010