A Tale of Two Trees

Two trees, same species, one block apart, both planted in May 2025. They are both Quaking Aspens and their locations are nearly identical in terms of sun and tree bed size.

Why is one tree nearly a third larger in all dimensions and clearly healthier?

One was watered and one was not. It is just that simple.

NOT WATERED Sparse leaves, Branch spread only 5'11 inches, Height 13 feet, trunk girth 6 inches

WATERED. Heavily leaved, Branch spread 13 1/2 feet, Height 18 feet, trunk girth 8 1/2 inches

While we personally can't do much to turn the tide of climate change, one thing we can ALL do to improve the climate resiliency of our own neighborhood is water our street trees.

Watering is beneficial for all street trees but is vital for young trees. These "infant" trees need water and time to establish the root system that will absorb our stormwater and access underground water during dry spells.

Healthy street trees not only cool our streets and clean our air, they help homeowner's bottom line. Tree lined streets boost property values and make neighborhoods more desirable.

According to the Forest Service, trees near your home but not on your property - like our street trees - can boost home value by $13,000. Mature trees can reduce summer cooling costs by as much as 50% and their windbreak function reduces heating costs similarly.

So how much does regular watering cost the homeowner?

Giving a new street tree the 15 gallons of water they need each week from May to October costs about 11 cents a week or less than $2.50 for the entire season. Not a bad investment.

Tree watering bags pictured below are an easy way to provide water and are readily available from super stores like Home Depot and online. The South Midwood Pollinators have a limited supply of these watering bags for our new streets. Email us at SouthMidwoodPollinators@gmail.com to find out more.