Recent drought conditions throughout the country have created serious challenges for natural vegetation,
including trees. The National Weather Service’s “Long Lead” forecast predicts that most of the country
will continue to have normal to above temperatures with normal to below normal rainfall. For many
regions of North America this means a continuation of drought conditions, with no relief in sight!
The lack of rain showers and high temperatures is sure to create more hardships for trees. Water is
required for all biological processes of plants, trees, and even people. When there is an adequate supply,
water seeps down through the soil, gradually saturating each layer. Trees depend on water and moisture
in the upper layers of soil – usually the top 6 to 12 inches where the root system is located. Water that
seeps beneath the upper layers eventually becomes available for use by people as well water. In severe
drought conditions, more water is required to keep the upper layers of soil moist.
The fi rst signs of water stress in large shade trees is fl agging, or wilting, of foliage. It can be diffi cult to
notice. Next the leaves become “scorched” as they gradually curl, become dry at the edges, and begin
to die. Eventually, trees will drop their leaves in an attempt to “save” themselves. It is important to
remember that defoliated trees are weakened, but not dead. Many of these trees will survive.
What can you do?
Apply 2 to 4 inches of mulch around trees. This conserves soil moisture and keeps soil temperature cool.
Water trees in the evenings. Lower temperatures result in less evaporation and better conservation of
water. This means more water for the trees!
Do a home soil moisture test. Remove a small amount of soil near the roots of a tree and squeeze it. If a
sticky ball forms, the soil is too wet. If it breaks like chalk, it is too dry. If your trees need watering, use
proper watering techniques. Light sprinkling only settles the dust and evaporates quickly in the sun. Give
the plants a weekly, deep soaking with a lawn sprinkler, allowing the water to seep at least 5 to 6 inches
down. This helps the water to get below competitive grass roots, and reach the tree’s deeper roots.
In fact, if you water in too shallow a manner, the tree’s roots could turn upward in a search for the lightly
sprinkled water. When the soil then dries, the new, shallow roots will be killed more readily.
Over-watering can be just as bad as under-watering. Do not water if there has been adequate rainfall. Let
the soil dry somewhat in between to avoid “drowning” your trees. Consult the licensed tree experts at
Pardoe’s Lawn and Tree Service at 800-427-4890 to perform a quick health check and recommend good
watering techniques.
519 Washington Avenue
Chestertown, MD 21620
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