Salida Trees Need Winter Water
The Salida Tree Board wants to remind homeowners that it is important to water established and newly planted trees in the winter. Giving trees additional moisture during the winter ensures that they will be ready to grow and thrive in the spring. The Colorado State Forest Service notes, "Overly dry trees become susceptible to root and branch die-back, and subsequent insect and disease problems." Follow these tips to help ensure healthy, thriving trees year-round.
Water slowly: Apply the water with a soaker or drip hose, a watering wand, or a sprinkler on a low setting so that the water will penetrate deeply. Apply 10 gallons per inch of trunk diameter.
Water when it's warm: Trees should be watered when snow melts and the air temperature is above 40 degrees. Winter watering is essential for evergreens as they do not go dormant for the winter. If the ground is frozen, it is especially important to water slowly so the moisture will infiltrate. Check for frozen soil by inserting a long, thin screwdriver.
Water a wide area: Root systems can extend several times the tree's height for established trees, with most roots in the top 12" of the soil. Both recently planted and established trees should be watered over the entire area between the trunk and the drip line (the distance to the outer-most branches), and even beyond that for established trees if possible.
Mulch thickly: Apply mulch 2-4" deep in a circle to the dripline or for larger trees, in a circle up to 3' wide. It is very important to keep the mulch 3" from the trunk!
The mulch can be wood chips, bark, leaves, evergreen needles, gravel, or decorative stones. Organic mulches will need to be renewed periodically.
Repeat as necessary: Trees planted within the year should be watered every two weeks if there is no snow cover. Trees in the ground for less than three years should be watered monthly. Water more mature trees, if there is extended warm weather with no snow on the ground, monthly or bi-monthly.
If you have questions, contact the tree board at info@cityofsalida.com and learn more at www.cityofsalida.com/bc-tb.
