Growing Shade Where It Is Needed Most

Tree Trust is growing shade across the Twin Cities metro area. Our certified arborists collaborated with The Nature Conservancy and The Metropolitan Council to create an interactive mapping tool, Growing Shade. Utilizing collected data, Growing Shade reveals the intersection of the Twin Cities tree canopy, and regional issues and priorities. Foresters use this app to plan for planting trees where they are needed most, and it is also available as a public resource. Explore the Growing Shade app today to see how tree cover directly impacts public health. The benefits of trees are numerous, including cooler temperatures, improved air and water quality, increased mental health, and shade on hot summer days.

Growing Shade: Summer Tree Care

Minnesota’s summer weather often embodies a tropical paradise. Many of us are familiar with the common saying, “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.” According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, our land of 10,000 lakes is around 33 percent forested with beautiful trees, including 53 native species. We seek refuge from the summer heat and humidity beneath the lush green leaves of our city trees in our favorite shady spots. Amidst this seemingly abundant moisture, it’s easy to overlook the looming reality: Minnesota is grappling with dry conditions. Tree Trust plants many drought-resistant trees; however, keeping these trees hydrated remains paramount to healthy and happy trees. Chances are great if you are reading this blog during standard daytime business hours, a Tree Trust crew is out watering trees. When our Community Forestry team is not planting, they are watering. It is THAT important.

How much water do trees need?

A good rule of thumb for newly planted trees is 5 gallons of water for every inch in diameter of the trunk, once per week. Post planting, trees should be watered weekly throughout the growing season in the summer months (May-October) for the first two years, and potentially more frequently during especially hot weeks. If you are unsure if your tree needs a drink, check the soil underneath the mulch ring. If the soil is dry, your tree is thirsty.

Tree Watering Methods: Summer Tree Care

Hose Method

A tree’s roots are its lifeline. Tree roots grow horizontally, stretching as far as the tree canopy beneath the soil. It is important to water a tree around the mulch circle, not at the trunk, so all the roots get a good drink of water. In fact, watering a tree directly at the trunk can cause damage like root rot or fungal disease. Set your hose to a small trickle and place it at the base of the tree in the mulch circle for one hour, once per week. This will ensure that your tree is fully hydrated.

5-Gallon Bucket

This method is a great workout. Fill a 5-gallon bucket of water and pour it evenly around the base of your tree, directly into the mulch ring, once per week.

Tree Bag

Too busy to remember all the tree watering methods? Tree watering bags are a great solution as they allow water (~15 gallons) to release over time. Tree watering bags are easily accessible at your local garden store. They can be filled with a garden hose as needed.

Growing shade is easy. Just add water. Every Monday, throughout the growing season, Tree Trust provides a weekly water update to help you remember to water your tree, or to let you know it is okay to take a week off. If you have any questions on how to provide proper care for your tree(s), you can always reach out to a professional arborist on our social media channels using the hashtag #askanarborist for more tree care tips directly from a Tree Trust tree expert.

.