Drought Got You Worried About Your Trees? 3 Simple Ways To Get Them The Water They Need
Posted on: 23 October 2015
If you live in a region affected by drought, you're probably facing water restrictions. If that's the case, your landscaping may be suffering from the drought, as well. You might have decided to replace your grass with drought-resistant landscaping such as gravel and bark. However, how do you take care of your trees during the drought? Instead of watching your trees die from lack of water, here are three simple ways to help keep them hydrated during the drought.
1. Add Extra Mulch
When you water trees, part of the water can evaporate before it ever gets the chance to seep into the soil. You can help protect the essential moisture by adding a few extra inches of mulch. The added mulch will help your tree absorb more of the water, which means you'll actually have to use less water to keep your tree hydrated.
2. Send in the Gray Water
You have to do laundry during the drought. Unfortunately, all that water is wasted once the wash cycle is finished. You could be using that water to keep your trees healthy until the drought is over. You'll need a tape measurer and flexible water pipe – the type used for pool pumps works well.
Measure the distance between your trees and your washing machine. Purchase enough pipe to reach from the washing machine to your trees. Stretch the pipe out so that one end is located near your washing machine and the other end is by your trees. Place the water out-flow pipe on your washing machine directly into the flexible hose.
When your washing machine empties, the water will flow through the pipe and to your trees. It's important to note that some cities do not allow gray water irrigation. Be sure to check with your city before using this method.
3. Get to the Root of the Problem
Trees have extensive root systems. In fact, their roots can stretch throughout your yard. Make sure that water you use actually gets to the roots. Make several small holes around the base of your tree. Move out about five feet away from the tree and make several more small holes. Fill empty 2 liter soda bottles with water. Place one bottle inside each pre-made hole by tipping the bottle upside down and placing the open end in the hole. The water will drain slowly into the soil allowing for deeper saturation. Using water bottles will allow you to control the amount of water you use for your trees.
You need to conserve water. You also need to keep your trees healthy. The simple tips described above will help you do both.
To learn more, contact an irrigation company like New England Tree & Landscape.
Share