High temperatures and drought conditions are particularly stressful for trees. Add higher water rates that make homeowners reluctant to care for parkway trees and you have the perfect storm to wreak havoc on our suburban forest.
While many homeowners question why they should have to pay to water city trees, the benefits are plenty and make the responsibility and cost of maintenance worthwhile. They improve property value and neighborhood appeal, and property ads for a “tree-lined street” always make the phones ring. Also, neighborhoods with mature trees are literally and figura tively cooler.
Health benefits Aside from the purely visual effects, trees have significant health and environmental benefits.
They improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere.
Leaves filter the air we breathe by removing dust and other pollutants. And, trees are energy efficient.
According to the U.S.
Forest Service, proper tree placement around structures can reduce air conditioning needs by 30 percent.
Drought-stress Keep an eye on your trees this summer for symptoms of stress. Regular tree inspections can catch changes in a tree’s health before a disease, insect or environmental problem becomes too serious to address.
Check out your broadleaf trees, including oaks, maples and birch trees. Are there any yellow, curling or brown-edged leaves? Are pine or spruce trees turning brown and dropping needles?
Drought-stress will begin with dropping leaves but eventually destroy the branches. Insects can get in, and you can end up losing the entire tree.
Water well Be ready to water your trees during summer as soon as they reveal any signs of stress. Don’t rely on lawn sprinklers to give your trees adequate water.
The simplest way to water a tree is to picture an imaginary circle underneath the outermost leaves of the tree, and arrange your sprinkler to water inside that drip line, allowing it to work slow and steady for 30-45 minutes.
Or leave the garden hose on a very low setting and lay it inside that line to soak for three to six hours for a good, deep watering.
Do this every two weeks during the drought. Mulch helps conserve water and keeps roots cooler during the summer time. Place two to four inches of mulch around your tree, taking caution never to pack it against the trunk.
Studies show that trees make us happy, having a Zen-like quality to calm and reduce stress. Along with their many benefits, your investment in property trees will pay off when it comes time to sell. So go ahead and give your big, leafy friend a drink.
— Adriana Donofrio Podley Properties, Glendora 626-914-2904 adrianad@podley.com
