To reduce water waste and help keep trees healthy, Austin Public Library and Austin Water customers can check out a meter attachment for garden hoses and hose-end sprinklers to measure water usage. During the three week check-out, we encourage you to time how long your equipment needs to run to apply the recommended amount of water.
Distressed trees (including those experiencing drought-related symptoms such as branches dying and leaves wilting, turning brown, or dropping early) should generally be watered once every two weeks. The amount of water needed depends on the tree’s diameter. Trees less than 20 inches in diameter should receive five gallons of water per inch of diameter. A 12-inch tree for example will need about 60 gallons of water (12 inches x 5 gallons). Trees greater than 20 inches in diameter should receive ten gallons of water per inch of diameter.
For more information on keeping your trees healthy, visit the City of Austin Arborist Program at www.cityofaustin.org/trees. For information on how to check out a hose meter at the Library please call (512) 974-7400.
