HOLLAND, Mich. (WZZM) The ongoing dry weather is causing a potentially expensive situation when it comes to trees -- many are already damaged or dying, and city leaders are asking residents to make sure nearby trees have water.

Strong gusts of wind send dry leaves flying on many Holland streets.  Arborist Josh Watkin says that a sign the damage has already been done.

"Its depressing. It's really bad," says Watkin.

Watkin expects dry conditions to kill hundreds of Holland's trees this season and the smaller one's have it the worst.

"Since they don't have an extensive root system, they can't collect water from as broad an area," says Watkin.

Watkin says it's not usually until October that dry leaves are scattered all over the ground as much as they are now.  He says an easy way to tell if a tree needs water is to check the branches.  If they snaps easily, Watkin says, the tree is usually in bad shape.

City crews are trying to keep up, but they are also asking for the public's help.

"The trees that are in the right of way, between and the sidewalk, are the homeowners responsibility to keep alive," says Andy Kenyon with the Holland Parks Department.

Officials say each tree only costs three cents per week to water, but at least $80 each to replace.

"You can do the math.  That's quite a bit of money," says Kenyon.

For Watkin, there's also sentimental value.

"Trees are very important to us to have a good habitat. It's a symbiotic relationship," he says.

Experts recommend letting the hose run for 30 minutes per week for every tree.  They say it could be months before the full damage is assessed.

Holland isn't the only city asking residents to water trees.  Grand Rapids leaders have made a similar request.