Drips into the ground around the tree so I don't think it really matters.

I'm sure you can find another gotcha on the Cantabrigian elite if you keep looking around though.

They generally are placed around the base of the tree but this way works too and can potentially offer the root system twice as much water.

I think this is trying to get the roots to spread out a little bit, so the tree is more stable. It’s just a bag that drips, so I don’t see why this wouldn’t work.

You're incorrect.

No need to be all right v. wrong about most things.

This is likely better for the tree since keeping the trunk of the tree constantly wet could harm it. The tree will still get the concentrated water being directed into the ground immediately around it,

You’re right that typically the ‘boots’ are placed around the trunk of the sapling. But it def looks like they’re trying to get double the water the the outer edges of the root zone. Always good to question.

This is correct but in my city someone posted this same type of thing to the Facebook group putting down the city workers for not knowing how to do it right, turns out it was right after all.

they’re actually over the “drip edge” of the tree, so will be watering the root ends that pull in the most water/nutrients.

My gosh. Your internet license is revoked. Way too reasonable and not mean spirited enough.

Besides what others have already said: Around the trunk is more common on a tiny baby sapling, only 3-6' tall or so. This is a much more mature sapling, and its root ball will have already spread out.

You only fill the bags like once a week or so and they drain in a few hours. I don't think that's a long enough time to harm the tree

General rule of thumb I heard is that the tree roots branch out in a similar pattern as the branches. That's how the drip edge idea works out

They leave the bags off of the trees in the summer, fall spring and are supose to put hay inside the bags on the trees for the winter? 😁🎄🙃

The last 5-10 years or so tree specialists have been urging folks to do it this way, on a nearby stake, rather than around the trunk. New trees will not survive without supplemental water. Getting someone to water or even fill a bag regularly is challenging. So, water gators are a huge boon!

BUT "anything that covers the trunks of young trees and reduces air flow and light exposure will, over time, create a dark, moist, and reduced oxygen environment that’s damaging to the bark of young trees. Wet, damaged bark allows opportunistic pests and pathogens to invade." The danger isn't a presumption that it is always filled to the top with water, but that the gators prevent light [edited to correct typo], oxygen, and the low humidity environment the bark of young trees needs.

https://gardenprofessors.com/irrigation-bags-the-good-rarely-the-bad-frequently-and-the-ugly-all-of-them/

⬆️This is the answer

Those stakes are gonna root any day now !!

But the pressure the bag puts on the tree is very beneficial for stronger roots and preventing storm damage

I guess they aren't very bright in the MIT/Harvard neighborhood.

that’s correct

You can’t fix stupid

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There was construction on the street and there were about 20 of these trees along the sidewalk

Thank you for pointing this out. You can clearly see that this young tree has it's roots well established.

Looks like there's a lot wrong here. Sure the boots arnt on the tree. But it doesn't look like the the tree is tied to the stakes yet either. & if the boots have water, then it's probably frozen.

I have a feeling this is probably more about the builders & the things they said they would do on a contract to not have a negitive impact on the neighborhood, while under construction. I have a feeling the trees/boots are meant for summer & for saplings.

Though I have seen small trees staked in the winter along parking lots that may have snow plowed around them.