Combating the continued lack of rain and rise in temperatures, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. (KIB) has initiated several steps to ensure that trees are being cared for and the public is informed. KIB along with the City of Indianapolis, is asking residents to water their trees.
KIB is asking residents to give their trees 15 gallons of water, once a week, if planted within the last three to five years. Although, with extremely hot temps, increasing to twice a week is preferred, along with watering mature trees during this time of abnormally dry weather.
“A period of excessive heat coupled with below average rainfall for the month of August have created stressful conditions for trees and landscaping plants across Indianapolis,” said Lori Miser, Department of Public Works director. “The City is advising residents to be proactive in protecting young trees and other sensitive plants from drought-related stress.”
Because of the urgent need to protect our city’s trees, KIB is investing more resources into watering:
- Weekly watering notifications: Visitors to the KIB homepage can see weekly reminders and tips for watering. Through a color-coded notification system, residents will know immediately the conditions for watering, and ways to ensure trees that have been planted in the last five years are cared for properly. Additionally, notifications will also be sent through Facebook and Twitter about watering efforts.
- Volunteer watering crews: Opportunities are currently available to assist KIB in watering trees during this drought season, every Monday evening from 6-8 p.m. at various sites around Indy; additional days and times are currently being added.
“Currently, our main concern is for the trees that we have planted in the past few years with help of funders and volunteers all over the city; and insuring that they survive to provide a substantial tree canopy for Indianapolis.” said David Forsell, president of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful. “Our hope is that all of Indy’s trees are being cared for, especially after the extreme drought we experienced last year. We are grateful for the support of the City of Indianapolis to implement a plan that will engage residents to ensure the survivability of trees and help to combat the recent, extreme dryness.”
To learn more about KIB’s watering efforts, volunteer to join a watering crew, or donate to help preserve trees; visit kibi.org/water.
