FAQs

One or two large watering cans full of water, or a slow running hose left on the tree for 15 minutes is all that's needed.

If a new tree has a watering bag placed around it, simply look for the filling location under the bag's label and insert a hose. Each bag holds up to 15 gallons of water which will slowly drip from two holes at the bottom of the bag. The bags will typically empty over a few hours.

Tip: wait for the bag to fill up 1/3 and then pull up on the handles to ensure the bag is sitting flush and there are no air pockets.

Deep watering will help the roots grow and the tree thrive!

Yes! Trees and shrubs are permitted and encouraged to be watered any day of the week and at any time if hand watering or using drip irrigation. All hoses must have an automatic shutoff. If using a sprinkler you may water from 4 am to 9 am. Visit the Metro Vancouver website for more information.

Pennies! It will cost you about 6 cents each time you fill up a 15-gallon green water bag. If you participate all summer long and fill a water bag twice a week, it will only cost you approximately $1.10.

Young trees need lots of water since the majority of their root system is lost during planting. Stick to the recommendation of watering twice a week during periods of low rainfall. Check the soil to see how moist it is by digging several inches below the surface. Watch for signs of drought stress such as dry wilting leaves, brown discoloration from sun scorch, or an early fall color change. All these are indications of drought stress.

Apply a 4” layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree. This will reduce moisture loss and competition from grass and weeds.

To keep young trees healthy, they must be watered at least twice per week during hot, dry weather.

Keep grass-cutting equipment away from the base of trees. They can damage the bark tissue causing long-term damage and limit the trees' ability to take up water.

Avoid fertilizing trees during periods of drought stress.