Tree Watering
About
Our Tree Watering recommendations are an easy way for D.C. residents to practice 25 to Stay Alive through the spring, summer and fall months when watering trees, especially those that have been in the ground less than three years, is critical to their survival.
Young and mature trees require 25 gallons of water - approximately 1.5 inches of rainfall - per week to grow healthy and strong. In times of little or no rainfall, and especially during the hot summer months, trees need your help in getting the recommended 25 gallons of water per week.
From May until October, Casey Trees issues weekly tree watering recommendations for D.C. residents to follow. Precipitation and streamflow data determine the overall condition - Dry, Normal or Wet - and the associated watering recommendation.
Follow us on Facebook or Twitter to get our weekly updates on tree watering conditions.
Make the Pledge
Take the next step and pledge to practice 25 to Stay Alive by watering trees on and surrounding your property each week in times of little or no rainfall during the spring, summer and fall. If you make the pledge, we will send you a complimentary rain gauge to help you monitor rainfall totals on your property so you know just when to water.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why are you recommending that I water my trees even though it just rained?
Rainfall for the event may have been less than 1.5 inches, or the rainfall received to date may be significantly less than the annual average for this time of year. We could have dry or drought conditions despite a single recent rain.
- How do you determine the overall condition and recommendation?
Watering recommendations are based on U.S. Geological Survey Daily Streamflow Condition and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Mean Areal Precipitation data.
- Why should I water trees? Don't their roots give them plenty of water?
The roots take available moisture from the soil and distribute it throughout the tree. But if soil moisture is not present, there is none or not enough for the roots to take up. This is where we can make a difference by helping trees though the dry spells by watering.
- How much is 25 gallons of water?
Twenty-five gallons of water is approximately equal to 1.5 inches of rainfall. If 1.5 inches of rain falls over the course of a week, you do not need to water your trees.
When you do need to water, use one of the recommended watering techniques below to ensure that you are providing your trees the recommended 25 gallons of water.
- install a 25-gallon slow release watering bag (such as an Ooze Tube) at the base of the tree.
- cut holes in the bottom of a 5-gallon bucket, place it at the base of the tree and fill it up 5 times a week.
- leave your hose turned on low for a half hour.
- Do you have slow release watering bags for my tree?
Please call our Tree Planting department (202.833.4010 or treedc@caseytrees.org) to check whether slow release watering bags are in stock. These watering bags are reusable, so if you have bags that are not in use, consider reusing them or donating them to us so we can re-purpose them.
- I understand that not having enough water is bad for my tree. Can there be too much?
Water is a valuable resource and we encourage you to apply in an appropriate dose. Excess watering can create runoff and some species of trees do not tolerate saturated soil conditions. Following 25 to Stay Alive guidelines should help you strike a good balance between keeping the tree healthy through dry spells and conserving water resources appropriately.
