City of Milwaukee urges residents to water street trees

The City of Milwaukee Forestry Division planted over 11,000 new street trees throughout Milwaukee in the past three years, including 2,200 trees this spring. Due to dry conditions and recent high temperatures, all street trees planted within the last three years are in need of immediate water to prevent them from dying from severe water stress.

 

According to Forestry Services Manager, David Sivyer, Forestry crews have been watering newly planted trees in commercial and industrial areas, but the City relies on citizens to water trees planted adjacent to residential properties.

 

Forestry officials say new trees require about 10 gallons of water, applied twice weekly during dry weather. Trees should be watered slowly within the mulched area at the base of the tree so the water has a chance to infiltrate into the soil within the root zone. Watering the lawn with a sprinkler helps the tree, but unless it is left on for two hours or more, the water will not penetrate deep enough to fully benefit the tree.