Welcome to STL Neighborhood Foresters

We are a volunteer group dedicated the TLC of our city's tree canopy. We rely on both partner groups and individual volunteers to fill the gaps in tree care, with a focus on organizing neighborhood volunteers to help care for their City trees. Trees planted in the city have a high risk of dying in their first 3 years - watering is critical.

This tool was created to track watering needs and easily connect volunteers with trees near them in need. In the following steps, you will select trees to adopt, see your total watering commitment, and sign up for an account to track your efforts and receive automated watering reminders.

Thank you for caring about the canopy!

First Time Tree Check

Your tree may have been planted improperly or need more/less mulch. Checking for and, if needed, fixing these issues can prevent deadly trunk rot and girdling roots and help the tree retain more moisture during dry spells.

Would you like to take a few minutes to identify and correct any problems?

Planting Check

We are a volunteer group dedicated to making STL a better place by reducing tree mortality and improving the overall health of our canopy. We rely on both partner groups and individual volunteers to fill the gaps in tree care, with a focus on organizing neighborhood volunteers to help care for their City trees. Trees planted in the city have a high risk of dying in their first 3 years - watering is critical.

Year One

If present, remove the following:

1. All tags, labels, and strings anywhere on tree.
2. Any twine, burlap, or other material on top of roots/around trunk. Avoid damaging/moving root ball.
3. All excess soil on top of/above the root flare. Be gentle when digging to minimize damage to roots.

Every Year

Check mulch volume and placement

A 2 to 3 foot wide, 3 inch deep doughnut of wood mulch is ideal. Be sure to leave/create a small gap near the trunk!

Watering Instructions

Why is summer watering important?

Water Stress:

• Kills trees
• Weakens trees
• Increases risk from insects, disease

Watering Tools

• Best for distant trees: 5 gallon bucket(s) with holes in the bottom
• Good when possible: Garden hose on low, a soaker hose or trickle (drip) irrigation
• Avoid: sprinklers, spray irrigation - they get water on leaves

Key Watering Tips

• Keep water off tree leaves to avoid sun-scald and fungus
• Water across the soil surface and slowly to minimize water loss from runoff
• Try to avoid the hot part of the day. Watering between later afternoon and morning is more effective and easier on you!

Sources

• MDC - How To Plant a Tree PDF
• Missouri Botanical Garden - Girdling Roots

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