Become a ‘Tree Bud’ to help water Cedar Rapids’ newly planted trees

CEDAR RAPIDS — Residents of Cedar Rapids may volunteer to help water newly planted trees along public rights of way.

The city of Cedar Rapids invites people to volunteer to become “Tree Buds.” Residents or business owners may volunteer to fill a tree’s water bag every seven to 10 days, unless an inch of rain is recorded in that time period, for trees planted in rights of way.

“We have had many residents ask what they can do to help newly planted trees flourish during the summer heat,” ReLeaf Program Manager Carole Teator said in a statement. “The new Tree Bud program will speed up the watering process for trees throughout the city while also reducing the possibility of trees being overwatered if an individual is already watering the trees.”

This voluntary watering program is part of ReLeaf Cedar Rapids, the city’s partnership with nonprofit Trees Forever to replenish the tree canopy Cedar Rapids lost in the 2020 derecho’s hurricane-force winds. The unprecedented storm destroyed about two-thirds of the city’s tree canopy, totaling an estimated loss of about 670,000 trees.

The plan calls for the planting of 32,000 trees along city streets and 8,000 trees in city parks by 2032.

Trees are planted in the right of way on the city’s behalf by contractors and Trees Forever. The organizations are committed to watering the trees for two years after planting, but the new “Tree Bud” program is intended to engage residents who want to support the ReLeaf effort.

“While we have systems in place to support trees through watering, the large number of new trees that have been planted, in conjunction with high temperatures, makes the watering process very time intensive,” Parks and Recreation Director Hashim Taylor said in a statement. “We know people want to help and this is a way for them to do so.”

Those looking to become a “Tree Bud” can request a sticker for a tree watering bag by calling the city’s Forestry Department at (319) 286-5747 or by stopping by the Parks and Recreation Office at 500 15th Ave. SE. Stickers also are available from the crews watering the trees as well as at the Northwest Recreation Center, 1340 11th St. NW, and through the Rollin’ RecMobile. The Rollin’ RecMobile’s schedule is available on the city’s website at CityofCR.com/CRRecmobile.

City staff estimate the cost for filling a tree’s water bag once a week for 30 weeks is $2.14. This assumes Cedar Rapids’ rate of $.00356 per gallon of water multiplied by 20 gallons per weekly fill of the water bag for 30 weeks spring through fall.

Comments: (319) 398-8494; marissa.payne@thegazette.com