Transcript:
During a hot, dry spell, you might think to water your garden, but perhaps not to water your trees.
Rollinson: “But heat and drought stress are a key threat to overall tree health.”
Christy Rollinson of the Morton Arboretum in Illinois says prolonged drought can damage or kill even old, established trees.
And young trees with shallow roots are the most vulnerable.
As climate change causes more intense heat and droughts, the risks are growing. Yet trees are more important than ever because they provide shade and help cool the air.
So Rollinson says if your grass is turning brown, it may be time to give your trees a drink.
Rollinson: “We want to simulate a nice long drizzle. … Something that is also highly effective, particularly for little small trees, are what people will call gator bags or watering bags. And so those are those kind of tarp or canvas bags that you put around the base of the tree … that just kind of slowly drips out the water.”
And adding a ring of mulch around the tree, without covering the base of the trunk, helps lock in moisture so the soil does not dry out as quickly.
So by giving your trees a little extra bit of care, you can help them survive and thrive for years to come.
Reporting credit: Sarah Kennedy / ChavoBart Digital Media/ Thanks to the Midwest Climate Resilience Conference for logistical support.
