Watering Alerts
Healthy trees start with consistent care and watering is one of the simplest yet most important ways you can help them thrive. With the Cleveland region’s hot summers and variable rainfall, young and newly planted trees depend on regular watering to establish strong roots and withstand stress from heat, drought, and urban conditions.
Trees need consistency.
Especially in the first two to three years after planting, you supplement what rain does not provide.
Every gallon makes a difference, whether you’re caring for a tree in your yard, neighborhood, or local park.
Trees rely on you!
Our urban forest needs good stewards. These growing conditions aren’t easy and you can make the difference.
We’ve partnered with the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District to send our weekly watering alerts for residents in Cleveland.
Our watering alerts will start the week of June 1st. Watering alerts are sent via email every Monday morning and run mid-April through late October. Data is based on the last 7 days of actual rain gage data provided by the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District. Data tracks actual rainfall totals, not predicted or possible future rainfall.
How to Water Trees
When to water?
1
Water early spring to late fall (April 1 – October 31). The best time of day to water is early morning or late evening to avoid evaporation.
How much?
2
Young trees need approximately 15 gallons of water each week.
This is about 10 gallons of water per inch of base trunk diameter, per week. We often plants trees that are at least 1.5 inches in caliper.
Larger trees may need up to 25 gallons of water (approximately 1.5 inches of rainfall), per week.
It is essential to water slowly, especially when the ground is hard and dry.
Water should soak into the soil; if too much is applied too quickly, it will run off.
Use a hose. Place the hose a foot or so from the base of the tree and turn it on to a slow trickle. Let it run for about 30 minutes (set a timer for yourself), occasionally moving the hose nozzle to water the entire root zone of the tree.
OR use a five-gallon bucket. Fill the bucket and slowly pour the water around the tree, about a foot from the trunk. Repeat three times to deliver 15 gallons.
You can also drill 3 - 4 small holes in the bottom, about the diameter of a pencil lead. Place the bucket at the base of the tree, fill it to the top with water, let it drain, move it slightly, and refill it.
What’s the best technique?
3
When unsure, choosing to water is often the best choice.
If you are unsure, check the soil moisture with your finger. Moist or damp soil is fine. If the soil feels dry, water the tree thoroughly.
Although overwatering is not common, trees should never sit in a puddle of water for an extended period. This can lead to root damage.
I am still unsure if my trees need water – what should I do?
5
Mulch keeps the water in the soil and slows the loss of water through evaporation. Place a mulch ring around the tree following the 3-3-3 rule: Create a ring of mulch about 3 feet wide and 3 inches deep, leaving a 3-inch space right around the tree trunk.
Remember to donut mulch, not volcano mulch – piling mulch against the trunk results in poor tree health.