We live in a semi-arid desert but what exactly does that mean? Surprisingly or not, that means that we receive only 30-50% of the annual precipitation that many of our non-native trees require to thrive. It also means that in the fall after irrigation systems have been shut off it’s one of the driest periods, at a critical time when trees need water to grow roots. Our high desert environment was little more than sage and rabbit brush before we settled here, and supplemental water was the key to establishing the urban forest we now enjoy. Our essential watering program protects your growing investment against the ongoing drought we experience here creating a thriving landscape for years to come.
Why is watering important?
- New Tree Establishment: Why is water so critical to new trees? Only 5-20% of roots are retained with the other 80-95% of roots left in the field during harvesting process. To say the least this puts trees under significant water stress until roots can regenerate. Water is the lifeline to getting new trees established.
- Energy & Growth: Water is used in the process of photosynthesis in which plants take carbon dioxide, water and light and make sugar and oxygen, benefitting the entire ecosystem around them.
- Transpiration: Water evaporates from leaves in the process of transpiration prompting water and nutrients up from the soil. This process brings water from the roots out to the leaves for use in photosynthesis. Water evaporation acts as a natural air conditioner for trees, like perspiring in humans. If there is insufficient water in the soil, transpiration slows, as do the other processes, and the plant will begin to exhibit signs of stress, such as curling and browning of leaves. The more stressed a tree becomes the more likely it is to be attacked by pests and disease.
- Translocation: Water is an essential compound used in translocation, the movement of nutrients from leaves to other parts of the tree. Sugars created in the leaves during photosynthesis require water to be moved throughout the plant body such as the roots, stems, fruit and flowers. Without adequate water tree health will suffer and decline.
What does a PTC watering plan look like?
- Step 1: Review the health and condition of the trees and plant material onsite.
- Step 2: Discuss the goals and outcomes desired for the property.
- Step 3: Discuss the water requirements and frequency of the applications appropriate to the plan and plant material.
- Step 4: Review weather patterns, and complete the applications through our scheduling system.