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 first signs of water stress in large shade trees is a flagging, or wilting of foliage. It can be difficult 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 we do?

Apply 2 to 4 inches of mulch around trees. This conserves soil moisture and keeps soil temperature cool. Lower temperatures result in less evaporation and better conservation of water.

Do a home soil moisture test. Remove a small amount of soil near the roots of a tree and squeeze it. If you can form a sticky ball, the soil is too wet. If it breaks like chalk, it is too dry. If your trees do need watering we are able to inject the water directly to the tree root zone 5 to 6" down. This helps the water to be below competitive grass roots.

A light sprinkle of water may only settle the dust. 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 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 get somewhat dry between watering to avoid "drowning" your trees.

Stressed trees produce and store less carbohydrates. This "bank account" is what the tree has available for next year's growth. Feed your trees this fall. Our liquid fertilizer provides nutrients to help sustain tree growth, and water to help reduce moisture stress, water pressure helps aerate compacted soils (micropores hold water, macropores allow percolation and air penetration to the roots) and a biostimulant to help the growth of beneficial soil organisms.

The drought has resulted in foliage, twig and root loss. A health check for your trees will enable us to recommend required pruning. Pruning removes dead wood allowing the trees to callus over the area with protective bark tissue. Dead wood that remains can be points of entry for insect and disease.