This year the region is experiencing one of the worst droughts since the 1950s.  Not only are our residents struggling with the heat and lack of rain, but so are our trees.  The extreme weather over the last couple of years has placed a large amount of stress on our trees.  As a result, some trees have simply shut down for the season and gone into early dormancy.  Others have received enough stress to cause death.

During this excessive period of environmental stress, please remember to water your trees to help them maintain their health.  Here are a few tips for you to help keep our community’s trees alive through this drought:

• Look out for young trees in your neighborhood.  If your hose can reach, water the trees you can.  If the trees are out of range, water with a bucket or a slow release watering device like a water bag or bucket with a hole in the bottom.
• Don’t water in the middle of the day.  The water is more likely to evaporate in the heat of the sun.  Early morning or at night is the best time.
• Aim the hose at the tree’s root ball and surrounding base for a deep watering once a day.

For more information on tree care, go to the Missouri Department of Conservation Online at http://mdc.mo.gov/landwater-care.