Parks, Playgrounds & Trees

Adopt a tree: tree care tips

Adopting a tree – tips for caring for your tree

The long dry spell is taking its toll on our trees. In dry periods moisture flow may be restricted by compacted soil, roads and paving.  Here is our guide to knowing which trees are in most need, and how you can take life-saving actions.

How do you know if a tree is distressed and in need of care?
• Early leaf drop: a sign that the tree is ‘shutting down’ to survive.
• Dead branches and die back of the canopy: parts of the tree are dying.
• Epicormic shoots: as the tips die back, epicormic shoots appear on the trunk and beneath the canopy – this happens when the shoots that should be active are failing.

Pick up your FREE bucket and adopt a tree.

CPR for trees

Just as CPR can save human lives, water, mulch and soil improvements can help breathe new life into struggling trees.

1. Water – grey water can save trees

Trees depend heavily on water, and the use of grey water from baths, showers and washing machines (using biodegradable detergent) can help trees survive the long dry summer.

It can be difficult to find an appropriate place for watering street trees. Large established trees have a root system that tends to be proportional with the tree’s canopy. The edge of the canopy is known as the drip line. Tree-lovers are encouraged to water these trees on the drip line.

Recently planted trees have been fitted with a watering well. These watering wells allow the water within to penetrate the tree’s root, as this is the most appropriate location for new trees to be watered.

Application of mulch at the base of a tree will help retain soil moisture and improve the soil profile. Free mulch is available at the South Melbourne Resource Recovery Centre (formerly the transfer station).
 
3. Improve soil profile – pitch in to improve absorption

Because urban areas are highly used spaces, compaction and poor soil conditions can restrict access to moisture. For large trees, residents are encouraged to help with breaking the soil profile up with a pitchfork in a small section of the nature strip. This will provide an area where water can be applied with ease. The size of this area can be as little or as large as you can manage. Application of mulch will help to retain the moisture within this area over the warmer months.

4. Take care of yourself as well

Make sure you only fill the bucket to a level that is safe and comfortable for you to carry.  Also take care when walking with your filled bucket.  Watch for steps and uneven ground. 
 

Tree Q&A’s

Answers to the most frequently asked questions about helping street trees survive.

What is the best way to water the street trees?

For established trees, it’s best to water around the drip line (the edge of the tree canopy).  New trees can be watered near their trunk.

Can I poke into the ground around the tree to soften up the dirt (so the water soaks in better)?

Yes, this is a good idea. Gentle aeration of the soil with a pitchfork can improve moisture penetration.

Can I use grey water to water the trees? Any restrictions on where the grey water comes from?

Grey water with biodegradable detergents is ideal and recommended.

Can I organise a water container for my street tree (I've seen them on other ones)?

Wheelie bins will only be positioned for trees that have had a recent root barrier installed, or for trees reliant on irrigation that is no longer used, due to water restrictions.

How often does the council fill up the water containers?

Empty wheelie bins are filled up every week (on the weekends) by contractors. Mains water should not be used for this purpose. All water used by council for tree maintenance is recycled water.

Do I have to officially 'adopt a tree' or can I just water the ones that look like they need it?

No registration is required to adopt a tree. Residents are welcome to use grey water whenever and wherever they can.  It might be worth a chat with your neighbours, to make sure you’re sharing the love around (and not all watering the same tree!)

Is it good to put any kind of fertiliser in the water as well?

Just use water, as this is what the trees are lacking. Adding fertiliser only encourages growth that the tree is unable to support.

A recently planted tree looks as though it is dying – what can I do?

Report the tree to ASSIST on 9209 6777 and a contractor will be asked to assess the tree. Trees are maintained for two years after they are planted. If a tree dies, it will be replaced in the following planting season.