Make trees priority when watering

By Seren Waldman
Trees, Water & People

Back to Gardening Articles List

It has been shocking to see so many large trees splintered and lying in our gutters after the Blizzard of 2003. While we all realize the beauty that trees provide as they bloom with magnificent flowers in the spring and explode with bold crimson and gold in the fall, urban forests also provide many environmental, social and economic benefits that cause sadness over their loss.

"Urban trees not only help clean our air, but they also maintain moisture and nutrients in our soil, prevent erosion, provide valuable habitat for local wildlife and reduce our energy consumption by providing shade and wind protection," said Richard Fox, national director of Trees, Water & People, a Fort Collins-based environmental group.

According to the Colorado Tree Coalition, one of the primary benefits of urban forests is their ability to remove carbon dioxide and other pollutants from the atmosphere. High levels of carbon dioxide and other gases trap heat in the atmosphere, creating a phenomenon known as the "greenhouse effect," which contributes to global climate change. Trees remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it as cellulose in their trunks, branches, leaves and roots while releasing beneficial oxygen back into the air.

Trees can also reduce energy consumption. Studies suggest that properly placed shade trees can cool a home and save as much as 30 percent on summertime air conditioning bills. Properly placed wind barrier trees also significantly reduce heating bills in the winter, providing environmental and economic benefits.

Reports indicate that tree-lined streets improve community morale and participation, and can even help residents maintain healthy blood pressure. Trees have also been proven to raise real estate values by as much as 15 percent.

Because of the important benefits trees provide, it is critical to focus on hydrating trees first in times of drought. Despite the recent snowfall, we are still facing cumulative drought conditions and likely watering restrictions this summer. Many Colorado residents don't realize that it is just as much or more important to keep their trees hydrated as it is their lawns.

One good way to ensure that trees keep their moisture is to extend the shrub bed under the tree to the edge of their drip lines and by adding mulch to that shrub bed. Mulch helps to regulate soil temperatures during hot days, reducing stress on plants. Mulch also allows for easier weeding of beds and adds nutrients to the soil. It is also important to water trees deeply and slowly, preferably three times per month if possible. There are various gardening tools such as deep root forks, deep root needles, soft spray wands and soaker hoses that can be used to water trees. These tools can be found at local nurseries.

For more information on the benefits of trees and how to keep them healthy and hydrated during the upcoming months, visit the web site www.treeswaterpeople.org or call 484-3678.