Tree care tips

Tree watering graphic

During dry weather and periods of drought, it is important to make sure young and mature parkway trees get the water they need.

When parkway trees are not properly watered, especially during heat waves, summer branch drop can cause limbs to fall from otherwise healthy trees.

Use these tips to help keep parkway trees strong, healthy and a beautiful part of Lakewood’s urban forest.

Watering tips

Where to water

Do not water your tree at the base of the trunk. Instead, water evenly within the dripline, which is the area under the outer edges of the tree’s branches. This helps water reach the key roots that deliver water to the tree.

How to water

  • Use a soaker hose laid at the dripline of the tree and set a timer.
  • Water slowly so moisture can reach deep into the soil, ideally about 12 inches down.
  • Avoid short watering times, which can encourage shallow roots and increase drought stress.
  • Make sure the top layer of soil is absorbing water. If water beads and runs off, break up the soil surface before watering.

How much water

It is best to water to a depth of about 12 inches below the soil surface. How much water a tree needs depends on its size, species, age, location, weather and soil type.

A general rule of thumb is to use about 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter for each watering.

How often to water

Newly planted and small trees generally need more frequent watering than mature trees. Young trees planted less than a year ago need their watering basins, the berm of soil around the root ball, filled at least once a week during dry weather.

If the watering basin has been flattened or removed, the tree may not receive enough water. Lawn irrigation spray is usually not enough for young trees, even if they are considered drought tolerant once established.

For medium and large trees, deep watering about once every three weeks in several areas around the tree can help reduce drought stress and the risk of limb failure. Water slowly and evenly within the dripline so moisture can reach deep roots.

Pruning, mulching and fertilizing tips

  • Place organic mulch around trees to help reduce moisture loss.
  • Keep mulch away from the tree trunk to help prevent decay.
  • Do not fertilize a tree that is under drought stress. Salts in fertilizer may burn roots when there is not enough water.
  • Avoid heavy pruning during dry periods when possible. Too much pruning can add stress to the tree.
  • Many tree species can be harmed by herbicides used in lawns. Trees already stressed by drought may be harmed by heavy herbicide use in the root zone.

Request tree trimming

Properly pruned and trimmed trees improve structure and limb stability. If your parkway tree needs trimming, call the city’s Customer Service Team at 562-866-9771, ext. 2140 or email service1@lakewoodca.gov to request a trim.

More tree care resources

For more tree care resources, check with your local nursery or visit California ReLeaf’s Save Our Water and Our Trees page.

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