Mature trees are a valuable asset for the entire community. Large, old trees provide beauty and service, shading your house in the summer, improving air and water quality, increasing the value of your property, and contributing to the safety and livability of your neighborhood. For the valuable services they provide us, trees are an investment well worth the regular care and maintenance they require.
As with any investment, you need to make careful decisions to ensure the long-term health of your trees. Arborists are professionals who specialize in the care and maintenance of trees. Most arborists provide a suite of services from consultation to tree work. An arborist will help you with pruning, fertilizing, pest management, and an array of other mature tree care practices.
How to help mature trees during drought:
- First, check if the soil around the tree is dry about 6 inches down, use a screwdriver or soil probe to loosen the soil
- If the soil is dry and crumbly, water the tree with a hose set to a slow trickle
- Water until the soil is moist, not soggy, about 6 inches down
- You may need to move the hose to different areas around the tree
- Mulch is good for older trees, but be sure to keep mulch three inches away from the trunk
Things to think about:
- Before watering a mature Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana) or madrone (Arbutus menziesii), check with a Local Tree Care Provider. Summer watering can harm these trees.
- There are many ways to water. You can choose from a garden hose, soaker hose, bucket, sprinkler, or even a root irrigator. The important part is to water deeply.