Watering Bags for New Trees

Tree watering bag installed on Farragut Rd.

SMP installed 12 watering bags around selected young trees planted by NYC Parks within the past 2 years. These trees will also be receiving wooden tree guards constructed by volunteers to help protect them during their early years, which is crucial to their survival. These efforts are being done with funding SMP received from a grant from the NYC Green Fund operated by the City Parks Foundation.

A mature street tree needs about 8-10 gallons of water a week, but a young tree needs 15-20 gallons of water per week. The tree bag makes it easy to give the tree the right amount of water and slowly releases it so the tree can absorb as much as possible. There is an opening at the top of the bag to fill with a hose or spout.

Fill opening at outer pocket of bag with water.

If you don't have a tree bag, you can use a garden hose, water can or buckets to water your tree. The key is to evenly distribute the water and to gradually release the water or stagger the watering. This minimizes run off into the street and allows the tree a chance to drink everything up. Top your tree bed off with a thick layer of mulch (3-4") to slow evaporation of water. Stay hydrated this summer!