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 Summer Issue 2026 Vol. 13, No. 3
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Gone are the days when timely gentle spring rains and moderate temperatures wake trees from their winter sleep and fill their canopies with flowers and leaves. After unseasonable warm spells, cold snaps browned the blossoms of early bloomers like magnolias, and flowering cherries. Regular rain in April fostered fungal diseases that thinned the leafy canopies of sycamores and crabapples. May’s lack of significant rainfall caused newly planted trees to wilt until they were deluged by over 10” of rain in mid-June. Unfortunately, climate change has made this pattern of drought and heavy rainfall the new normal.
City trees that are surrounded by paved surfaces are less able to survive boom and bust rainfall than forest trees. The soil beneath streets and sidewalks are shielded from rainfall and less able to provide water for tree roots. Although one inch of rainfall per week is enough to keep street trees healthy, a week with six inches of rain is not likely to put enough water in the soil to keep it wet for six rainless weeks of summer. During dry periods, you can check to see if a tree needs water by digging a small hole to see if the ground is still moist 4-5” below the soil surface where the tree roots grow. For tips on how to water dry trees please see the West Lafayette Parks and Recreation Watering Video.
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West Lafayette Tree Friends want to thank Reliable Insurance, The Russell Group, and Q106.7 for inviting us to participate in their Earth Day Recycling Event. People coming to the event generously donated $1613 enabling the Tree Friends to continue to help the city plant and maintain street trees.
You don’t have to wait for the next Recycle Event or our annual fund drive to donate. To help us keep our urban tree canopy growing and healthy, click on the donate button.
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After 35 years as a Tree City USA, the City of West Lafayette has now been recognized as one of the “Tree Cities of the World.” West Lafayette is now part of international network of cities committed to urban forestry and sustainable community development. This designation recognizes West Lafayette’s dedication to maintaining and expanding its urban tree canopy, promoting environmental stewardship, and enhancing the quality of life for residents through thoughtful tree management and care. Congratulations!
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The City of West Lafayette, in partnership with West Lafayette Tree Friends, is now accepting applications for the 2026 Operation ReLeaf program. The initiative helps residents add street trees to our community, expanding and diversifying the urban forest.
Operation ReLeaf is part of West Lafayette's ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, neighborhood beautification, and creating a healthy urban tree canopy. Residents interested in participating are encouraged to apply early.
Selected trees will be planted this fall. To help ensure long-term success, participating residents must agree to assist with watering and basic care for the first two years after planting.
Applications are due by September 1. Applicants may indicate their preferred tree species from a selection of recommended trees, though final tree selection and placement will be reviewed by a certified arborist to ensure the "Right Tree in the Right Place" principles promoted by the Arbor Day Foundation are followed.
Find out more about Operation ReLeaf and how to apply.
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Thank you- donors, volunteers, City of West Lafayette- for another amazing year for TREES! Thanks to your support:
- 125 new trees were planted, more than a 30% increase from the previous year.
- An expanded watering program was implemented.
- WLTF is partnering with the city to distribute mulch around newly planted trees.
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We send out a huge thank you to these volunteers who donate time and energy to make our community greener and healthier. If you are interested in learning more about our important community group, upcoming events, and volunteer opportunities go to the website www.wltreefriends.org.
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General meetings of the West Lafayette, Tree Friends. These meetings are open to everyone. We gather on the second Tuesday of each month in the Bean room at West Lafayette, City Hall. Meetings are listed on the and can be accessed virtually. Please join us.
Our next meetings:
- Tuesday, August 11
- Tuesday September 8
- Tuesday, October 13.
Pruning Sessions: A favorite activity of many of the Tree Friends is getting together to prune street trees. No experience is necessary as instruction and tools are provided. Pruning starts the Friday after the Arbor Day celebration (May 1) and runs every Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Check our volunteer website for locations.
Summer Watering and Mulching Sessions: Help keep our newly transplanted trees healthy by joining our watering and mulching crews. Watering and mulching schedules will be posted as needed. Check our volunteer website for updates.
RiverFest: Saturday, July 11, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Tapawingo Park Pedestrian Bridge & Promenade. Celebrate the Wabash River at this family-friendly event. The WL Tree Friends will have a booth. Come visit us!
Lillich Lecture -topic and date to be determined, November. John R. Dennis Wellness Center, 1101 Kalberer Rd.
Follow WLTF on Facebook and Instagram for more event updates!
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 "Until you dig a hole, you plant a tree, you water it and make it survive, you haven't done a thing. You are just talking." – Wangaru Maathai
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