With drought, watering trees is a must

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - This extremely dry summer has taken a heavy toll on many of the new trees planted by Re-Tree Western New York.

The surprise October storm of 2006 damaged so many trees in our region, their branches snapping under the weight of heavy, wet snow. That's why volunteers formed the Re-Tree WNY to replace the damaged trees.

The organization has received funding from the John Oishei Foundation, the Seneca Nation, and Garden Walk Buffalo. More trees are available now for other volunteer groups to plant.

But with the summer drought, it's important for people to give plenty of water to these young trees.

Paul Maurer of Re-Tree WNY said, "If you could bring a hose out between the sidewalk and street where your tree is and just lay it down on the base of the tree along the trunk and give it a good soaking every few days until we really get into fall and the cooler weather, we really appreciate it."

Re-Tree WNY wants to replace some 30,000 trees in our region. So far, more than 24,000 trees have been re-planted.

The deadline for volunteers to get trees is September 8th. You can learn more here.