Winter 2012 - 2013
This winter season here in northern Illinois has had less than adequate rain and snow fall for our trees and shrubs. While we go about our busy schedules we usually forget about our trees and shrubs that are outside in the cold.One type in particular, the evergreen require more water to keep them alive since these are green year around. Evergreens do not wilt like plants do when starved of water. One symptom of drought is browning of the needles. By the time evergreens have symptoms the whole tree may be affected. Evergreen trees and shrubs have a shallow root system between 12 to 18 inches into the soil. They need about 2 inches of water every 20 days. We at U.S Lawns of Joliet have watered ours twice this season on the warmest days. We feel it is important to the tree and shrub health and want to spread the word of the necessity to hydrate all trees and shrubs on all properties.
Trees and shrubs that loose their leaves in the fall do not require as much water as the evergreen type but, they do require some watering. Experts suggest watering at the drip line this is the outer edge of the tree branches. It is misconceived that we water at the base of the trunk which gives no value to the tree. The roots that soak up the water are not at the base of the trunk.
Watering with a garden or lawn sprinkler is an easy way of hidrating the trees and shrubs just turn it on low. Watering works best if the water soaks into the ground rather than running off into the lawn. Trees need about 2 inches of water this is about 1.5 hours of watering time once a month.
Adding mulch around shrubs and young trees in the winter can also help keep moisture in.
