Thunder Bay and region have been experiencing dry summer conditions throughout July and now into August. There has been very little precipitation over the last month and temperatures have been extremely high.
The City of Thunder Bay’s Parks & Open Spaces Section is issuing a tree watering recommendation. Thunder Bay citizens are being asked to water new and mature trees on both private and public lands (boulevards).
Drought is the major cause of tree stress and can lead to permanent damage, especially in young trees. Lengthy periods without rain - typically a week or more - can lead to the most common symptoms of stress appearing, including browning and wilting of leaves.
Sometimes the symptoms of drought stress are not visible until the next year, when they appear in the form of insect attacks, disease and die back.
All trees, big and small, need at least 30 liters of water per week in order to thrive.
When watering trees it is important to soak the soil slowly around the tree continuing out to the tree’s drip-line to ensure all the roots get moisture.
To make optimal use of water, early morning or evening watering will reduce evaporation loss. Tree watering bags deliver 76L of water slowly and efficiently to new trees and can be filled more than once a week during hot/ dry spells. Watering bags are not useful beyond 2 years after planting as the roots have grown beyond where the water is being released.
Re-use water when possible and employ the use of rain barrels. Please remember to water on the day of the month that is associated with your house number.
Even-numbered houses can water on even-numbered days and odd-numbered houses can water on odd-numbered days.
For more information, contact 625-2956.
