H2O Time for Landscapes, Trees

Jeff Garretson - Mon 01:09 PM 12/03/2012

Graves recommends about 10-gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter.

A local expert urges a drink for thirsty landscapes.

Kansas State Extension Office Horticulture Agent, Jason Graves stopped into the KSAL Morning News Monday with some advise on helping your trees and shrubs survive the current dry spell.

Graves told KSAL listeners to take action, "If you've got important plants out there in your landscape - be proactive and put some water on them," he said.

Graves recommends getting moisture down at least twelve inches deep, to help reach the root system. "You've got to get a little creative. Some people poke holes in the bottom of a 5-gallon bucket, fill it up and just let it soak into the ground."

He also says a quick measurement of the tree's trunk will act as a good rule of thumb for water amounts. "I usually recommend about 10-gallons per inch of trunk diameter," he said. "That's a good starting amount."

Graves added that the current drought conditions, will bring more stress and disease to area trees.

"Usually what happens when they get stressed out is we see insects and diseases become more prevalent," he said.

"I would venture to say that we're going to see more issues with trees next year."

Contact Jason Graves in Salina at 785 309 5850.

Or by email at his office: jlgraves@ksu.edu.

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