Residents Asked to Water Young Street Trees Stressed by Dry Weather

August 31, 2006 (No. 22) - The prolonged hot weather is stressing Vancouver's young street trees. Dry spells can be especially damaging to newly planted trees, which are still establishing their root systems. Residents of Vancouver are asked to assist in maintaining moisture levels for newly planted trees by applying at least 3-5 gallons of water several times per week.

Young trees are tagged by Park Board staff with a "Please Water Me" message when they are planted. Trees planted within the last four years would benefit most by watering at this time. Water restrictions do not include recently installed trees, but be water wise by ensuring that all of it gets to the tree.

The Vancouver Park Board has stepped up its summer street tree watering program, doubling watering shifts and deploying additional staff to assist.

In the past decade the Park Board has planted over 40,000 new trees on our streets. It is estimated that the 130,000 trees currently found on our boulevards are valued at approximately $500 million.

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Contact Carol DeFina, Communications Coordinator, at 604-257-8440 for more information.

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation maintains 200 parks and 40 major facilities throughout the City of Vancouver. The Park Board's mission is to provide, preserve and advocate for parks and recreation services to benefit people, communities and the environment.