Urban Forestry

Information

Urban Forest Management

Division (UFMD)

Department of Public Works and

Environmental Services

Fairfax County, Virginia

Summer 2013

Summer Tree Care

Summer Watering Tips for New Trees

The first summer is the most difficult for new trees:

Hot winds

High temperatures

Droughts

Immature root systems

Trees from the Nursery

When trees are removed from the nursery field, about 90

percent of the root system is severed. Then, the roots are

wrapped in burlap and shipped to the retail nursery to be

sold.

For a new tree to survive, the root system must regrow.

Homeowners can help their new trees grow by applying the

right amount of water.

How much water?

New trees need one inch of rain per week

How can a homeowner measure

the amount of rain?

Local weather stations broadcast the amount of rain

Purchase a rain gauge from a hardware store

How much water does a new

tree need during a drought?

Provide ten gallons of

water per week during the

first growth season for a

new tree that is one to two

inches in diameter

How Should the Water be Supplied?

Apply the water slowly

Allow the water to soak into the soil

Try this low-tech method:

Drill a small hole (less than 1/8th inch) on the side, near the bottom of a five gallon bucket**

Fill the bucket with water and place it next to the tree

The water will slowly soak into the soil

** If you have pets or small children, place a secure lid on the bucket.

How Much Water is Too Much?

Even with a complete root system, it is normal for tree leaves to

droop during the hot and sunny times of the day.

Tree leaves should fully recover during the night.

If the leaves do not fully recover by morning, the tree may need

water.

Before watering, check under the mulch

near the tree to see if the soil is dry.

Pruning New Trees After

Minor Storm Damage

Summer Storm Damage to New Trees

Summer storms can be very damaging for new trees:

Branches break

Tops break

Storm-damaged trees in June

2013 show split trunks and

leafless branches. Fairfax County Photo

Tree pruning tip: the

branch collar is where the

branch meets the trunk of

the tree. When necessary,

cutting off a branch at the

branch collar may allow

the cut to close properly.

Fairfax County photo.

Tree Pruning

For more information call or email the staff of the

Urban Forest Management Division, Department of

Public Works and Environmental Services

Fairfax County

12055 Government Center Parkway

Fairfax, VA 22035

703-324-1770, TTY 711

email treemail@fairfaxcounty.gov

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/environmental/trees.htm

A Fairfax County, Virginia publication Summer 2013

Thank you.