What: Learn what kinds of trees are growing in the park and how they benefit you.
Where: Meet in the park by the market tents. (West parking lot off Fuller Ave.) MAP
Join a Friends of Grand Rapids Parks certified arborist for a tree identification walk at the next Southeast Area Farmers Market, 12 – 2 p.m. August 10. You will learn how to identify different trees and their benefits!
This event is free, and all ages are welcome. Register here so Friends has an idea of how many people to expect. However, market patrons can join the tour without registering.
As OKT learned on this Tree Tour of Garfield Park some years back, trees not only clean our air, produce oxygen, and provide cooling, they also are a source of food.
While this week has delivered some much-needed rain, the City of Grand Rapids is encouraging residents to supplement recent showers by watering their trees.
Grand Rapids had only 20 percent of normal rainfall in May and June is expected to be at least as dry. The City’s Forestry division says that dry conditions, especially this early in the summer season, can have devastating effects on trees and other landscape plants.
Water help trees make it through the hot summer months with less stress. Younger or newly planted trees are at greatest risk, but even larger established trees will benefit from supplemental water. While residents should consider water use conservation, watering trees can help maintain our tree canopy, helping to clean the air, absorb greenhouse gasses/carbon, provide shade, reduce heat island effect/temperatures, and create breathable air.
Forestry offers the following tips for helping trees weather drought conditions:
Trees have deeper roots than turf. Slow, steady watering is needed to reach tree roots.
For large or established trees, water under the tree canopy moving the hose or sprinkler every few hours
For newly planted trees, thoroughly water the root ball and surrounding soil
Reduce the flow if water is seen running off the site
If not using a hose, a five-gallon bucket with a 1/16-inch hole drilled in the bottom will trickle water slowly into the soil. It may take several fills for larger trees
Dig down six to nine inches to check soil moisture. Continue watering if soils are not saturated
Repeat watering periodically until normal weather conditions return. Soil type, slope, amount of sun, and temperature will affect how often supplemental water is required (e.g. sandy soils
require more frequent watering than clay soils)
Wilting and leaf shedding are natural responses to drought stress. Don’t give up! Keep adding water and your tree should recover
More information can be found at the following websites:
Our Kitchen Table 