Thank you to our neighbors at Hancock Park Homeowners Association for providing such great information below regarding our urban forest! Read on for great tips and find out if indeed you need to water your parkway trees!
Creating a sustainable beautiful, urban forest is only possible through a collaborative partnership with our neighbors! Here’s how we work together!
Why “Deadwood” should be removed from Trees
-Deadwood reduces the tree’s capability to grow into its proper shape. If the deadwood blocks sunlight to much of the tree, then the tree will not grow into a beautiful and full shape.
-When deadwood breaks off in a storm, the area of the tree where a branch has broken off exposes the heartwood of the tree, which can allow insects to penetrate and create a home. Water can also accumulate which can result in fungus and other forms of decay – this can eventually lead to trunk rot.
-Deadwood can break off during a storm and even light winds. When this happens, it can cause property damage and injury. Deadwood removal can help eliminate liability concerns – which is of particular concern when dealing with branches greater than 2 inches in diameter.
-A large amount of deadwood is not aesthetically pleasing. Removal will help to improve the overall balance of the tree. A lot of deadwood will prevent wind from blowing through the tree, which can result in damage, or even the total destruction, of the tree.
What are “Tree Suckers”?
Tree suckers are miniature tree-looking shoots at the bottom of your tree’s trunk; they can sprout if your tree is stressed and is exerting energy to grow more branches. When you first see tree suckers developing, it’s important to remove suckers and sprouts. If you leave tree suckers to continue to grow on the tree, it can stunt the growth of healthy roots. Please tell your gardener to remove them!
It’s going to be a LONG – HOT Summer!
How often should you deep water Parkway trees?
Water deeply by setting your hose on a slow trickle or using a soaker hose near the base of the tree. Leave the hose on trickle for about 2 hours. On average, your tree will need 15 gallons of water per week. Water two to three times per week depending on how hot and dry it is outside.
Established trees: Don’t rely on lawn sprinklers – they won’t water deeply enough to reach tree roots. Instead, slowly soak the tree’s drip line, the circular area under the farthest reaches of the branches, until the water reaches 12-18 inches below the surface. Don’t water close to the trunk. You can use:
A soaker hose
A hose sprinkler on a low setting
Drip tubing or emitters
If the root zone extends under the hardscape or beyond your property, slowly soak as much of the root zone as possible.
For the first three years after planting, all trees need regular water to get established. Don’t rely on lawn sprinklers — they do not soak soil deeply enough to encourage a healthy, deep root system for your tree.
The roots of young trees are located mostly near the trunk.
The easiest way to water young trees? Drill a small 1/8″ hole near the bottom of a 5-gallon bucket. Place a piece of duct tape over the hole, fill the bucket with water, place it near the root ball, and remove the tape to allow water to slowly drain into the soil.
AGE FREQUENCY AMOUNT
1 yr 2-3 times/week 1 bucket
2 yrs Once per week 2 buckets
3 yrs Every other week 3 buckets
You can also use a small soaker hose, drip tubing or emitters, or a hose sprinkler on a very low setting. Avoid spraying the trunk, and expand the watering zone outward as the tree grows.
Miracle Mile Residential Association 