The importance of watering your trees well into fall.

I came across a great article in the Chicago Tribune about the importance of watering and protecting your trees for the dry winter weather. So, here are some steps you can take to ensure your trees make it through the winter. 

•   Mulch 2-4” of mulch around the base of the tree, but do not pile the mulch up the trunk. The mulch helps regulate soil temperature and retain moisture.
• Your trees need about 20 gals of water a week. And the treegators are hold that amount and all you need to do is fill and leave it.
• Lastly, you want to be watering late into the fall, when temperatures are above 40 degrees.

 By taking these steps you are preparing your trees for the rough road ahead. These guidelines go for both evergreen and deciduous trees. 

Cercis canadensis Redbud

 

Evergreens drop needles too!

So, as we roll into fall it is expected that deciduous trees leaves change color and drop their leaves. But, when we see an evergreen that's needles are turning yellow and dropping, an alarm goes off and, we think oh no it is dying!

Have no fear this is normal and the difference is that when an evergreen sheds needles from the inside out, you know this is it's natural process. So don't be alarmed enjoy the fall colors.

Pinus strobus, White pine