[CANUFNET] Water retention and tree planting

[JMCNEIL at oakville.ca]

Ian:

This answer may not be exactly what you are looking for as we have not 
experimented with products such as 'waterlock.' Our method to deal with 
our current drought is the old fashion one: strip away any encroaching sod 
and mulch and re-mulch; combined with double shifting our watering crews 
following this standard:
http://www.oakville.ca/forestry.htm
"


A newly planted tree on clay soils (typically found in Oakville north of 
the QEW) with a diameter of 6 cm (2.4 inches) will require approximately 
45 litres (10 gallons) of water every 10 to 14 days. Take rainfall (or 
lack thereof) and lawn irrigation schedules into account when planning 
your tree watering schedule. Trees on sandy soils require about twice as 
much water as trees on clay soils (every 5 to 7 days). Apply water slowly 
into a "berm" of mulch placed at the edge of the planting hole, moving it 
outward to enlarge the basin as the tree grows. 
Mature trees located on clay soils require approximately 7 litres (1.6 
gallons) of water for every centimetre (0.4 inch) of tree diameter 
(measured at breast height: 1.3 metres (4.5 feet) above the ground). 
For a more detailed technical review on establishing a water management 
program for trees, please refer to Harris, R. et al., 2004. Arboriculture: 
Integrated Management of Landscape Trees, Shrubs, and Vines, 4th Ed., 
Prentice Hall ISBN 0-13-088882-6
For a basic overview of watering trees, please refer to A Waterwise Guide 
to Trees (pdf, kB) - a publication from the website for the New Mexico 
Office of the State Engineer and Interstate Stream Commission.
For more information on how to care for your tree, please visit the 
Trees Are Good website. "

Hope this helps.

Regards,



John McNeil, MBA, Registered Professional Forester, Certified 
Arborist/Municipal Specialist
Manager of Forestry & Cemetery Services 
Parks & Open Space Department
jmcneil at oakville.ca 

Central Operations 
1140 South Service Road West
Oakville, Ontario, L6L 5T7 
Tel. (905) 845-6601, Ext: 3395 

Mailing Address:
Town of Oakville 
P.O. Box 310, 1225 Trafalgar Road
Oakville, Ontario, L6J 5A6 
http://www.oakville.ca/

 
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