ARBOR DAY 2019 POSTER CONTEST WINNERS
KEEPING YOUR NEW TREE HEALTHY
The trees which have been planted in the right-of-ways by the Town of Lancaster’s Forestry Department represent a considerable aesthetic and financial investment to our neighborhoods. Therefore, please help keep the trees in good health to increase their beauty and longevity.
The most important maintenance practice for your trees is to water it during dry spells. Rain showers cannot be depended upon to supply sufficient moisture to keep the soil ball moist. Especially during the first few summers of your new tree’s life it will have a difficult time dealing with heat and drought. You can make this easier by providing water and covering the soil with wood-chip mulch. Deep watering can help speed the root establishment. Water the trees heavily once a week during dry spells only. A simple way to water the tree is to fill a five gallon bucket, poured at the base of the tree slowly, and allow it to soak in. Moist is different than soggy, and you can judge this by feel. A damp soil that dries for a short period will allow adequate oxygen to permeate the soil. Over-watering is another common mistake and can kill the tree.
Caution should also be taken when trimming the lawn with a weed-whacker. The inner bark of the tree may be damaged when hit with a weed-whacker and could eventually kill the tree.
Thank you for your help in maintaining Lancaster’s green space. For any service that your tree may need, call the Town of Lancaster Forestry Department at 684-3320.
Tree Planting Program
The Town of Lancaster’s Tree Planting Program continues to grow rapidly. Trees are planted on the right-of-way in front of homes within the Town of Lancaster by our Forestry Department. Town residents with a newly built home or an existing home, in need of trees or replacement trees on the right-of-way, should call the Forestry Department at 716-684-3320.
The trees which are planted on the right-of-way represent a considerable financial investment, therefore, we ask the homeowner for help in keeping the trees in good health to increase their beauty and longevity. The most important maintenance practice for your tree is to water it. Summer showers cannot be depended upon to supply sufficient moisture to keep the soil ball moist, an occasional good soaking is necessary. For the first couple of years, water the trees heavily two times a week. Use a trickle hose, if this is not available, a regular garden hose can be placed on a low flow at the base of the tree for approximately two hours. The water must be allowed to soak into the ground slowly until the soil is moistened down to the roots.
Thank you for your help in maintaining Lancaster’s green space. For tree services on Town-owned trees, such as pruning or disease, call the Town of Lancaster Forestry Department at 716-684-3320.
Recreation Department
716-684-3320
716-685-3497
