Trees wonít need late fall watering
Posted 11/7/02

Abundant rainfall in much of Minnesota means many homeowners can forego watering their trees this fall.

However, soil conditions are dry in southwestern Minnesota and trees in that area should be watered, says Gary Johnson, urban forestry specialist with the University of Minnesota Extension Service.

Late fall tree care tips include watering (if needed), mulching and wrapping the trunks of young trees with burlap or plastic cloth. Wrapping can help protect trees from animals, an errant snowblower thrust or temperature damage (sun scald or frost cankers).

Wrapping should be loose enough to allow air between the wrapping and tree trunk. And don't leave wrapping on for more than a yearóit invites insect and disease problems.

You can find more details on tree care on the U of M Forest Resources Extension home page at www.cnr.umn.edu/FR/ extension. In addition to the website, you can also contact the Forest Resources Extension office at (612) 624-3020 or by e-mail at extfor@forestry.umn .edu.