Boulder city officials are reminding people that winter watering is essential to keep trees healthy as winter conditions remain dry and warm.<\/p>\n
Trees that don\u2019t get watered in the winter can cause issues that might not show up until the following spring, a city of Boulder news release said. This can include branch dieback, reduced leaf size, chlorosis and dying trees.<\/p>\n
Winter drought conditions can also stress trees and make them more susceptible to insect attacks, the release said.<\/p>\n
The region is naturally a semi-arid, shortgrass prairie that would have few trees without irrigation, according to Boulder officials. Urban trees that are properly placed and well-maintained are an asset to the environment and communities, drawing down carbon, creating shade, intercepting stormwater to reduce flooding, and improving air quality and public health, according to the release.<\/p>\n
Trees that are the most at-risk from dry winter conditions include those that have been recently planted, evergreens and shallow-rooted deciduous trees like maples, poplars and lindens. <\/p>\n
To help people maintain the health of their trees, Boulder officials listed winter watering tips, which are as follows.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Water when the air and soil temperatures are above 40 degrees Fahrenheit and there is no snow on the ground.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Water early in the day so water can soak in before freezing night temperatures.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Do not water frozen soil.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Water once or twice a month with 15 gallons per inch of tree trunk diameter. Newly planted trees need 15 to 20 gallons.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Water at the tree\u2019s dripline, which is the outermost circumference of the tree branches. A slow, deep soak reaches the fine feeder roots that are up to 8 inches below the soil surface.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Hand watering, a soaker hose or a drip application is best.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Leave irrigation systems off in the winter to prevent frozen and broken equipment.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Minimize the use of deicers and other pollutants, since melting snow can carry them into storm drains.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Shovel clean snow from sidewalks and driveways around the dripline of the trees to help insulate roots and water the tree as the snow melts.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Put two-to-four inches of wood chip mulch from one inch away from the base of the tree out to the dripline to retain soil moisture.<\/p>\n
\u2022 During dry, warm periods, water trees every few weeks.<\/p>\n