THE LEAFLET

As we enter the dog days of summer – with DC officially in drought conditions – temperatures continue to soar with no substantial rain forecast in sight. This means especially harsh conditions for street trees in the District that face unique challenges due to the urban environment. They often struggle with limited soil volume, compacted soils, and heat stress from surrounding pavement that further radiates heat. These factors make regular watering even more important for our beloved street trees.

Trees need approximately 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter per week to stay happy and healthy. For most newly planted street trees in DC, this translates to about 15-25 gallons weekly. However, trees may require more frequent watering in hot summer months, and even some more established trees may be in need of watering as well.

The District’s Urban Forestry Division (UFD) maintains over 175,000 street trees throughout the city. But especially in times of extreme heat and periods of drought, UFD encourages residents to water neighborhood street trees as part of their civic responsibility and dedication to community.

The city maintains a tree watering app that allows users to locate trees in all eight wards that need watering, tag trees they have watered, and upload photos of the trees. Residents can also report trees that need further care from the city via the app or 311. The app helps coordinate community efforts in tree care.

The city’s app prioritizes younger street trees, which are in greatest need of watering and are the most susceptible to heat stress. With the current drought and high temperatures, all trees could use watering, but residents can look for signs of trees that need water most (some pictured examples below):

1. Wilting or drooping leaves
2. Yellowing or browning of leaves, particularly at the edges
3. Dry, cracked soil around the tree base
4. Leaf scorch (brown, crispy leaf edges)
5. Premature leaf drop

By taking an active role in watering street trees, DC residents can contribute significantly to the health and longevity of the city’s urban forest. This collective effort helps ensure that future generations can enjoy the many benefits of a thriving tree canopy in the nation’s capital. Proper watering not only helps trees survive but also contributes to their long-term health and resilience. Well-maintained street trees provide numerous benefits to the city, including improved air quality, reduced stormwater runoff, lower urban temperatures, and more.

For more information on tree watering, like how to properly water, or to sign up for our tree watering alerts, visit caseytrees.org/water.