Dear Neighbors If you are one of the 250 houses that have gotten a tree for your sidewalk through the TreeVitalize program in the last 3 years. Here is a reminder to keep your trees as beautiful and healthy as possible this growing season: 1. Keep the tree pit free of weeds for 5 feet on either side of the tree (weeds compete for nutrients and water). 2. Water infrequently, but deeply, 20-30 gallons once a week, unless there has been a good soaking rain. 3. Keep 2 inches of mulch in the tree pit, but don't let it touch the trunk of the tree (if mulch touches the bark, the tree may get infected with fungus). Mulch prevents weeds and keeps water in the ground for the tree roots. 4. Don't ever touch your tree with a lawn mower or weed wackier. This will injure the bark and prevent the tree from getting food and water and the tree will die. We have already lost a couple of our trees on Stanton Ave for this reason. 5. Taking care of your tree from June to September is especially important as this is a stressful time for the tree with hot weather and little rain 6. Please do not prune your tree. The Tree Tenders will do this from time to time. If there is a problem, let me know. Enjoy your trees! Nancy Levine Highland Park Tree Tender