Help grow the urban forest this summer: Water trees weekly!

Trees need water now - and any time it doesn't rain an inch in a week

Last week, forestry crews at the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) filled 3,700 tree-watering bags for newly planted trees.
They are working overtime to water trees – but they can’t do it alone!

MPRB asks Minneapolis residents to remember that trees need water any time that local rainfall is less than an inch in a week. This applies throughout the entire summer and fall.

Water is especially important for trees under five years old, including newly planted trees on city boulevards (the land between the sidewalk and the street).

Three ways you can help: Watch this video –  or keep reading

Option 1

Fill a tree watering bag. If you live near a newly planted tree supplied with a green tree watering bag, fill the bag once a week. When it’s one-quarter full, pull up on the bag handles to straighten it. Bags hold 20 gallons of water and take about five minutes to fill.

Option 2

Use a five-gallon bucket to slowly pour water around the base of a tree. Do this four times for 20 gallons once a week.

Option 3

Run a garden hose on a slow trickle, placed at least six inches from the tree trunk. Let it run for an hour each week.

More tree watering tips

• Water in the evening to minimize evaporation; trees also tend to take in more water during the night. Watering one tree weekly costs only about $3 for 23 weeks: the entire summer/fall season.
• Track your tree watering by doing it on your weekly trash pick-up day.

Learn more about MPRB and its care for Minneapolis’ urban forest at minneapolisparks.org/trees.