Madison Urban Forestry requests resident assistance watering 100,000 terrace trees | The Locally Times
City officials are asking residents to water terrace trees in front of their homes to combat dry conditions and ensure tree survival.
The City of Madison Urban Forestry division is requesting that residents water terrace trees and young trees on private property to mitigate the effects of current dry conditions. According to a July 14, 2026, news release, the city manages 100,000 terrace trees, and help from residents is necessary to maintain their health. ## Watering Guidelines Urban Forestry recommends that young trees receive 10 gallons of water per week. The department advises residents to check the soil around the tree, which should feel like a wrung-out sponge, and to account for any recent rainfall when determining the amount of water needed. To ensure the water reaches the root ball, the city suggests a slow flow rate that allows the ground to absorb the moisture rather than letting it run off. The city defines young trees as those planted on the terrace or private property within the last five years. ## City Response Urban Forestry crews began deploying to water young terrace trees on July 14, 2026. While city staff are actively working to hydrate the urban canopy, the scale of the 100,000-tree inventory necessitates resident participation to increase survival rates. Additional information regarding tree care and watering techniques is available on the Urban Forestry website. The department also points to resources from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the US Forest Service’s Tree Owner’s Manual for further guidance on maintaining new trees.