CONSERVATION CORNER
WATERING NATIVE TREES
Because of the drought and beetle infestation,
many of the native Jeffrey and ponderosa pines are stressed
and occasionally dying. For trees that aren't dead, supplemental
irrigation may greatly increase their chance of surviving
this prolonged drought. Here are a few tips for correctly
watering our native pines.
- Evaluate the trees on your property and identify a
small number of trees that you feel are key to maintaining
the desired character of your yard. Keep in mind, we
can't water the entire forest.
- If a tree appears to be more than half dead, its probably
too late.
- Most of the roots are in the top 18 inches of soil
and within the drip zone (the area of ground shaded by
the tree at mid-day).
- Its best to use a soaker hose that covers the drip
zone and let it run slowly for 12-24 hours.
- Let the soil dry out between waterings, which takes
about one month. Constantly moist soil can encourage
fungus, which can cause root damage.
- Do not sprinkle or spray the trunk. This may encourage
fungus, also.
THANK YOU FOR DOING YOUR
PART TO HELP MAINTAIN HEALTHY, GREEN TREES IN OUR COMMUNITIES.
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