City Trees is a premier publication focused on urban + community forestry. In each issue, you’ll learn how to best manage the trees in your community and more!
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/1198176
w w w. A R B O R M E T R I C S . c o m | 1 . 8 6 6 . 6 8 5 .1 8 8 0 t o l l f r e e We know that our clients are dedicated to delivering effective and efficient urban forestry programs. That's one reason why the discipline of project management is at the core of ARBORMETRICS' services. Our well-trained people are equipped with ARBORLINE® software to support you with electronic work planning, pest management plans, GIS data collection and tree inventories. But more importantly, our people are there to help build community support for urban forestry initiatives. You can rely on ARBORMETRICS to support you and your goals. AT ARBORMETRICS, THE SLOGAN "PEOPLE ARE OUR POWER" IS MORE THAN JUST WORDS. Investing in our people is at our very core. AM_City Trees_Jan.qxp_Supported copy 12/4/19 7:00 PM Page 1 Experts agree that effective deep root watering is critical in new tree establishment, particularly during the first two years. There are numer- ous methods including earthen berms, tree bags, sub terrain irrigation pipes, wetting agent bags and watering rings. Let's look at the pros and cons of the traditional berm versus tree bags and the new alternative coming into favour, Greenwell watering rings. Earthen berms are straight forward to establish when planting a tree by shaping freshly broken earth. Berms blend in nicely with their surrounds and there is nothing artificial. The downside of berms is they can easily wash away when new from heavy rain, particularly on sloping ground. Berms usually require re-establish- ment at some stage and then final removal which involves added labor costs and the removal of soil. Tree watering bags come in several shapes and sizes. Their purpose is to slowly and evenly distribute water to the root ball. Bags became popular as an alternative to building and restoring berms. However, tree watering bags have proven over the years to have a number of drawbacks including: • Need for removal during winter in snow belt areas • Vulnerable to vandalism or theft • Require flat ground • Hugging the tree trunk potentially causing trunk rot • Can partially block leading to an uneven watering pattern • Prone to insect nesting such as fire ants in humid states • To some observers, they are not overly attractive to look at Watering The Australian Way Best Watering Techniques: Berm Versus Bag Versus Greenwell This is an advertorial promoting the advantages of Greenwell Water Savers over the use of traditional earthen berms and watering bags. Greenwell is an Australian invention now manufactured in the USA. Greenwell watering rings have many advantages: 1. They ensure no run off or wastage during a watering event, particularly on sloping ground 2. Do not require removal during winter but can be easily removed with a shovel at end of tree establishment and reused, or recycled 3. Keep grass away from the tree base and hold fertilizer and mulch in place 4. Protect the tree from lawn mowers and weed wackers. Over watering can be as big of an issue as un- derwatering. In states with watering restric- tions eliminating water wastage is key. The Greenwell watering ring uses between 7-13 gallons depending upon the size compared with watering bags that use up to 20 gal- lons. The beauty of the Greenwell product is that it assists with remote watering via boom whereby the vehicle operator does not have to leave the cabin to hand water. Life span is another aspect to consider. Berms can have a very short life or set like concrete and prove to be difficult to remove at end of tree establishment. Watering bags if re- moved each winter will only last for a few seasons. Greenwell watering rings last for up to 10 years and can be reused. New biodegradable additives are being trialled in South Australia which will see the ring purposely breakdown at a predetermined end of life period. Finally, when it comes to counting the cost of labor the Greenwell tree ring proves most efficient taking no longer to establish than a berm. When it is time to remove the product, it can be reused or put into a plastic recycling bin. Rebuilding berms and removing and reinstalling tree watering bags in winter involves added labor. Email: sean@millerkeats.com I www.greenwellwatersavers.com