Drought
Drought conditions can occur at any time of year, but tend to occur most frequently during the summer and fall months. Most gardeners will recognize the effects of even a short term drought on annuals, lawns, shrubs, and perennials in their landscape, and will respond appropriately and in a timely manner with a thorough watering of the affected plants. Many people, however, may not recognize early symptoms of drought in landscape trees until those plantings are in severe stress. Symptoms of drought injury to trees may be sudden, or take two or three years to be revealed. Symptoms can include wilting, curling, yellowing or even browning of foliage on both deciduous and evergreen specimens. Often drought stress may not kill a tree outright, but may weaken it to the point where infestation of insects or diseases takes it's toll. Considering the fact that replacement of a tree specimen in your landscape can be quite costly, it is wise to pay even more attention to your trees than your lawn or plants.
How much water a tree should receive depends on the tree size. Small trees (one to seven inches in diameter) and medium trees ( eight to fifteen inches in diameter) should be watered deeply at least three times per month April to September if significant and/or frequent rainfall has not occurred for two weeks or more. Watering methods include: automated drip irrigation systems; soaker hoses coiled several times under the dripline; five gallon buckets with 1/4 " holes drilled in the bottom (place at least three under the tree if small, five or more for medium to large trees); watering bags; soil needles (deep root feeders). Remember the roots on established trees may be quite deep, so a light watering is not helpful, even if you do it every day. Water deeply and slowly for 4 to 8 hours based on tree trunk diameter size three times a month as mentioned previously.
Healthy, mature trees should be able to withstand a short term drought, but keeping them healthy is most important. Remember to look up for signs of drought in your trees, especially when you notice your landscape plantings suffering from lack of moisture.
By: Michelle Lynn
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses
How much water a tree should receive depends on the tree size. Small trees (one to seven inches in diameter) and medium trees ( eight to fifteen inches in diameter) should be watered deeply at least three times per month April to September if significant and/or frequent rainfall has not occurred for two weeks or more. Watering methods include: automated drip irrigation systems; soaker hoses coiled several times under the dripline; five gallon buckets with 1/4 " holes drilled in the bottom (place at least three under the tree if small, five or more for medium to large trees); watering bags; soil needles (deep root feeders). Remember the roots on established trees may be quite deep, so a light watering is not helpful, even if you do it every day. Water deeply and slowly for 4 to 8 hours based on tree trunk diameter size three times a month as mentioned previously.
Healthy, mature trees should be able to withstand a short term drought, but keeping them healthy is most important. Remember to look up for signs of drought in your trees, especially when you notice your landscape plantings suffering from lack of moisture.
By: Michelle Lynn
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses
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