Observe Arbor Day by keeping trees hydrated

CONROE, Texas -- In honor of Arbor Day, April 26, do more than hug a tree. Celebrated annually in Texas on the last Friday in April, Arbor Day is an opportunity to show your trees you care by caring for them. Give your trees the gift of life…water. Despite an occasional weekly rain shower, the area is still under drought conditions with rainfall inches well below requirements.

The best way to celebrate the Arbor Day is to give your trees a healthy drink of water according to Tom Hellberg of Greenwise Construction & Roofing, an eco-friendly roofing contractor.

“I ask people how much they’re watering their trees and they tell me…’en minutes every couple of days,” said Hellberg. “That’s like trying to fill up a swimming pool with a measuring cup. Turn a firehose on them for at least 20-30 minutes if you’re going to water them every couple of days.”

The Woodlands Township removed 24,684 trees in 2012, with additional 4,427 trees tagged for removal in 2013. Woodlands residents can prevent that number from climbing by saving the trees that survived, but without sufficient water they may not weather a sustained drought.

Founded on April 10, 1872, the 141-year observance not only encourages the community to plant a tree, but care for the existing tree population. In fact, by the 1920s, every state had past a public law stipulating that a certain day be set aside and designated Arbor Day. In addition to the United States, thirty-six countries around the globe now observe Arbor Day.

“I speak for the trees,” said Hellberg, “because the trees don’t have tongues.”

Honor Arbor Day by showing your trees that you care. Make the necessary effort to keep them hydrated.