Our Community Trees Need the Help of the Community
Know Where, When, and How Best to Water Your Tree
In the Grand Valley, trees need us to provide them with additional water to supplement the pitiful amount that falls from the sky. Take a look at the pictures below, which show a mature, fully established tree; it will help to explain what we are talking about as you read on.
This is not what I was was taught as as a child. The tree below the ground is nothing like the tree above the ground! There is no huge taproot boring down twenty or thirty feet into the water table. Who Knew!
In exchange for us providing a little care and attention, our trees will provide us with shade, oxygen, twenty degree cooler pavements and a much improved environment, while removing carbon from the atmosphere. Seems like a pretty good deal!
Trees have deep roots, they’ll tap into the groundwater and be just fine, won’t they?
The answer, of course, is NO, they won’t. Most tree roots are in the top 18” of the soil profile. Take another look at the pictures above. The roots of an established tree spread far beyond the drip line. In an urban environment your tree may be drawing water from your entire yard and possibly also your neighbors on both sides. This is why we need the entire community to be aware of the needs of our public trees. Everyone likes to be able to park under a shady tree during the heat of summer. We ask you to participate in keeping our street trees alive and health by making sure they receive enough water.
Right-of-Way Trees aren’t on my property. They belong to the city and it’s their job to maintain them!
You’re right that the parking strip, or hell-strip as it’s commonly known, is city property, but caring for trees planted in these areas is the responsibility of both the city and property owners. We are partners in tree care. While the city plants trees, prunes them, and provides necessary pest control, property owners have a responsibility to maintain good growing conditions by watering, soil improvement and mulching. This is detailed in city ordinance 8.32. https://ecode360.com/44688008
Street trees provide many benefits
Shade and Cooling - we all experience the pleasure of a shady spot on a hot summer day
- trees can greatly reduce the cost of cooling a home
Environmental Benefits - trees absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, and reduce pollution
Curb Appeal - trees improve the appearance of a home
Home Values - trees add to the value of a home
Neighborliness - tree-lined streets encourage neighbor to neighbor contact
Our aim is to provide you with good information so that you can make informed decisions about the street trees in front of your home, and improve the value and curb appeal of your home.
Right of Way trees aren’t on my property, they belong to the city, why should I care?
My neighbors have put in a rock-scape and they say it’s a more ecological way to go!
I’m sick of mowing grass and fixing sprinklers, so what’s the alternative?
We have a serious drought problem, it’s nonsensical to water grass and trees!
My water bill is just too damned high and it’s only going to get higher!
Trees have deep roots, they’ll be just fine, won’t they?
I own rental properties, the grass and trees died years ago, why should I create more work and expense for myself?
Check the information button for answers to these questions and more!
Our Resource Section provides additional sources of information that will help you with the decision making process.
Find a qualified tree care company
Choose the best tree for your space
Improve the efficiency of your sprinkler system
Convert to drip irrigation
How to plant a tree
Find out about water-wise landscaping and xeriscape
And more
A classic rock scape, often called a zeroscape. We call this a dead-scape. This contributes to a ‘heat island’ effect.
Our urban forest is under threat from climate change, a diminishing water supply, and the misguided actions of well-intentioned property owners. It is our belief that we can preserve and improve our street-scapes and green spaces and reduce water usage at the same time. We just need to find creative solutions and stay aware of the benefits of trees in our environment. Trees add oxygen, remove carbon dioxide and drastically lower temperatures, reducing electricity demand and the ‘heat island’ effect.
Please read our blogs and you’re welcome to initiate a discussion.
This Blue Grama grass area will thrive on a good watering about once every two weeks and a mowing once a year. The trees are doing well.
This xeriscaped hell-strip is low water use and an appealing frontage to the home.
“If you would know strength and patience, welcome the company of trees”