(Briana Scroggins | Special Tribune) The Weber Basin Water Conservation Learning Park in Leiden provides ideas for trees that require less water.

Due to statewide water restrictions and high temperatures, homeowners in Utah may worry about their lawns.

But Darren McAvoy and Mike Kuhns, forestry experts at Utah State University's Extension Department, said that we really should concentrate the limited water resources on the trees in the yard.

They wrote in the press release: "If there is water next year, the brown lawn can easily be restored to its original shape, but an underwatered tree may die, and it will take decades for another tree to replace it."

They provide these tips to help trees survive drought and heat.

• The root systems of trees and shrubs are deeper and wider than grasses, and should be watered slowly and for a longer time. To save water—and still have healthy trees—water it every few weeks—but make sure to use water before the leaves wilt, burn, and other stress occurs.

• The soil needs to be kept 18-20 inches deep around the tree moist. You can determine the moisture content by pushing a long screwdriver or metal rod into the dirt. It penetrates moist soil easily, but stops when it touches dry soil. Don't forget that the roots also extend outward. Watering the area about two-thirds of the height of the tree.

• Does the automatic sprinkler provide enough water? The system was tested by holding water in tanks scattered around the irrigation area for a period of time. A small spray nozzle that sprays mist can spray more water than you expect, but if the irrigation time is not long enough, you may not be able to provide enough water to flow through the grass roots.

• Hand watering with a hose works well-as long as the watering speed is slow enough to be absorbed by the soil. Consider placing a low-speed suction hose or sprinkler above the roots of the tree every few weeks during the coldest part of the day, at two-hour intervals.

• The amount of water required by trees depends on the weather and drought tolerance of the trees. Shrubs and smaller trees may require about one-half to one inch of water per week. Big trees may need more.

• For newly planted trees and shrubs, water frequently until the root system is established.

• It is difficult to water trees adequately with drip irrigation systems because trees may require more water than low-flow systems.

• Add mulch around the trunk and control weeds and grasses to reduce evaporation and competition for water.

Now donate to the newsroom. Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity, and donations are tax-deductible

Report missing papers by sending an email to subscribe@sltrib.com or calling 801-237-2900

For electronic questions or comments, please contact customer support 801-237-2900 or send an email to subscribe@sltrib.com

sltrib.com © 1996-2021 Salt Lake City Tribune. all rights reserved.