Full Notification

Our region of Wisconsin is currently experiencing drought-like conditions, and the DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator has advised that communities begin regularly watering trees while precipitation levels remain below average. Wisconsin trees are not adapted to drought conditions, and drought stress can contribute to further complications with insects and disease. Watering acts as preventative medicine for trees, increasing their resilience to these other stress factors.
 
In addition to taking care of your own trees, consider helping the Village by watering trees located along streets near your home, especially those planted in the last 5 years—or older if they are looking stressed. The Village Forester and his summer staff have been doing their best to provide for these still-establishing trees but could use your help under the current conditions. Tree watering guidelines vary based upon species, condition, and location. You can find watering recommendations from the DNR online, or follow the Basic Watering Instructions in Drought Conditions below. If you have further questions about watering, contact the Village Forester for additional information or guidance.
 
DNR Tree Watering Resources:
 
https://forestrynews.blogs.govdelivery.com/2021/06/23/watering-trees-in-a-drought/
 
Basic Watering Instructions in Drought Conditions (PDF version attached): 
How often do I water?

• Newly planted trees (planted within the last 2 years) – every other day, unless 1” or more of precipitation has occurred.
• Young established trees (< 7” diameter trunk) – every 10-14 days.
• Older trees (larger than 7” diameter trunk) – every 10-14 days.

• Under normal conditions, a general rule of thumb is 2 gallons of water/inch of trunk diameter for each watering.
• In drought conditions, 5-10 gallons of water/inch of trunk diameter for each watering may be necessary.
• Example: if a garden hose at medium pressure takes about 5 minutes to produce 10 gallons of water, and a 3” diameter tree is to receive 30 gal of water, total watering time is 15 minutes.  More simply, (tree diameter) x 5 minutes = total watering time.

• Saturate the entire area between the dripline and the base of the tree.
• Water deeply! Deep watering to a depth of 6-12” inches below the soil surface is recommended.  Watering for short periods of time only encourages shallow rooting which can lead to more drought damage.
• Soil needles (deep root feeders) can be attached to your hose and are effective at watering deeply if the soil is not too hard or compacted.
• Soaker hoses can be coiled around the tree below the dripline.
• For evergreens, water 3’-5’ beyond the dripline on all sides of the tree.
• Water slowly, dispersing the flow of water to get the water deep down to the tree’s roots.
• Overhead spraying of tree leaves is inefficient and should be avoided during drought conditions.  Watering at ground level to avoid throwing water in the air is more efficient.