Summer watering tips, Upcoming Events and more!
Summer watering tips, Upcoming Events and more!
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Tree Bark, News From Urban Forestry - All Trees, No Pulp
URBAN FORESTRY
July 2018, published twice a month

Be on the Lookout for Thirsty Trees!

A young tree shows signs of drought stress. Curling and browning leaves of a drought stressed tree.
At first glance, this young tree looks ordinary. A closer inspection shows that the leaves are curling and browning, which are signs of drought stress. Regular summer watering of 15 to 30 gallons a week could be the difference between life and death for this young tree.

The long, hot days of summer can be a hard time for urban trees, and this summer is proving to be a tough one. Daily temperatures in Portland are expected to be in the 90s for the next week!


Young trees, especially those planted within the last three years, are at a high risk of dying during prolonged dry spells with high temperatures. Here are some signs to watch out for that may mean your young trees are not getting enough water:

• Leaves that look limp and dull
• Curling of the leaves
• Browning along leaf edges
• Dropping leaves suddenly
• New dead twigs and branches
• Conifer needles turning red or yellow

Providing young trees with the right amount of water during the summer can help keep them alive and healthy. Healthy trees are more likely to reach maturity and provide their maximum benefits. Here are some tricks of the trade for watering young trees:

• Give young trees 15 to 30 gallons of water each week during dry weather
• Slow and steady watering allows the soil around the trees to soak in the water
• Use a five-gallon bucket with holes in the lower sides to help water slowly and thoroughly
• Keep weeds and other plants away from young trees, they compete for water and other resources
• Mulching around your trees helps to retain water and keeps tree roots moist

To learn more about how to establish, water, and care for your young trees visit our Establishment Care page.

Upcoming Events

Opportunities to learn and volunteer!


www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/workshops

Park Tree Inventory in Peninsula Park

Park Tree Inventory Workdays

The inventory rolls on! Urban Forestry is working with volunteers in parks in every corner of the city to map, measure, and identify trees.
At workdays, less experienced volunteers are paired with expert team leaders to collect data and learn more about the trees that make our parks such a destination. No experience necessary—friends, family, and neighbors are all welcome!

Check out our workday calendar and join us at a park near you!

Upcoming Workdays:

Kenton Park, Saturday, July 28, 2018 Registration full

Lincoln Park, Saturday, August 4, 2018 Register here
 
Columbia Park, Saturday, August 11, 2018 Register here

More Upcoming Events

Neighborhood Tree Steward Program: Deadline for Applications is Wednesday, August 8, 2018. The Neighborhood Tree Steward (NTS) Program will consist of five classes that take place in September and October. Program participants will learn the skills and knowledge needed to care for urban trees, then commit to volunteering 40 hours to urban forestry stewardship over the next year. Spaces are limited in this popular program, learn more and apply here!

In Other News


Registration Now Open for Oregon Forest Pest Detector Certification: This one-day certification workshop, offered by the Oregon State University Extension College of Forestry, is geared for natural resource professionals—arborists, landscapers, ecologists, and volunteers that work with trees. Learn how to recognize harmful pests, how to prevent them, and what to do if you find them. This October workshop focuses on emerald ash borer and Asian longhorn beetle. For program information and to register click here.
Free Street Tree Planting at Businesses and Apartment Buildings: You can help get trees planted! Share this opportunity with property owners or building managers who you think may be interested in street trees, or call the Environmental Services Tree Program to discuss a property you have in mind. Sign up by August 1, 2018 to be part of the next planting! Details here.
Park Profile, a Look at Lincoln Park: Located at SE 135th Ave. and SE Mill St., this seven-acre park is located in the Hazelwood neighborhood. Prior to 1945, rural farms and timber plots made up much of the area, along with hazelnut trees that may have helped the Hazelwood neighborhood earn its name. The Park Tree Inventory will measure and map trees in the park on Saturday, August 4, 2018. Read more about it here.
Urban Forestry
1900 SW 4th Ave., Portland, OR 97201503-823-8733
Portland Parks & Recreationwww.PortlandParks.org
Commissioner Amanda Fritz • Interim Director Kia Selley
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