Residents in the Queenstown Lakes District are being asked to help save community trees as dry weather continues in the area, QLDC parks manager Gordon Bailey said.

"The high temperatures and lack of rain are starting to take their toll on trees in the district," Mr Bailey said.

The community had a major investment in roadside trees.

"We are hoping that people will take some ownership and help us to nurse trees through this period by watering roadside trees in front of their properties," he said.

Already some trees were showing signs of stress with leaf loss and browning.

"If residents can find the time to water the trees at least once or twice a week then we will have a much improved survival rate", he said.

Hand watering or running the hose to soak the ground around the trees was more effective at getting water to the root zone than using a garden sprinkler.

"Mulching around the base of younger trees, which can be done with, bark, leaves or straw in addition to watering, is an even better insurance against tree loss," Mr Bailey said.

Residents should avoid using grass clippings, he said, which tended to heat up and could have a detrimental effect on the trees sensitive feeding roots.

ENDS

For further information please contact Gordon Bailey 03 441 0499.

By: Sarah