Tree Watertown is reminding area property owners to water their trees.

The lack of rainfall, coupled with hot and sunny weather, is starting to stress trees throughout the community, the group said. Water is the most important thing to keep trees growing strong and healthy — especially younger and newly planted ones.

Here are some watering tips:

■ Place a garden hose underneath the tree near the trunk. Set the hose to a slow trickle and let run for 20 minutes, moving it several times to distribute the water evenly. You also can use a sprinkler for 15 to 20 minutes, or a 5-gallon bucket to dump four or five buckets of water around the trunk.

■ Using shredded bark or wood chip mulch around trees is important, as it helps reduce evaporation and improves water absorption.

Water is inexpensive; the price per gallon is less than a penny. For less than a quarter a week, you can do a lot of good for your trees, the group said.

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