IN A DRY SEASON: TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR TREE FROM DROUGHT
By Admin • June 10, 2018
When the summer heats up and the spring rain stops falling, you might see some of the plants in your yard begin to suffer. Shrubs may have brittle, yellowing leaves and your lawn may go from green to brown.
Grass and small shrubs are often the first casualties of dry summer weather, but your trees can also experience long-term negative effects, even if they seem to be doing fine. Persistent dry weather can cause root growth delay and loss of foliage, and can put your tree at risk for insect infestations and diseases. They will heal more slowly from pruning and storm damage.
Trees take longer to show signs of drought damage, but you can help prevent any issues if you take action before your tree starts to look sickly; don't focus all your efforts on your grass and smaller plants. Trees take droughts hard, and they are more costly and complicated to replace should they die due to lack of water.
Here are some simple tips that can help you protect your tree from drought-like conditions this summer
STOP ALL PRUNING
When your tree is healthy and water is plentiful, effective pruning helps to foster new growth and longterm structural health. However, pruning taxes a tree. After opening wounds from cutting out branches and removing foliage, the tree has to put a lot of resources into sealing off the affected areas.
During a drought, your tree might not have the resources to recover from pruning. Try not to prune at all until water is plentiful again. If you have a wind storm, you should contact a tree service
about rehabilitation instead of trying to fix the damage yourself, especially if the summer has been unusually dry.
REDUCE FERTILIZER
If a tree is showing signs of drought stress, such as wilting leaves and reduced growth, many well-meaning property owners use fertilizer, thinking it will help boost the tree back to life. However, the tree is not suffering from loss of nutrients; it is suffering from water loss.
Without sufficient water, extra fertilizer will actually draw more water from the root fibers, resulting in root death. Always consult a tree specialist before adding fertilizer, especially if your tree is still a sapling with tender roots.
SPREAD MULCH
Mulch helps to prevent moisture loss from the soil and it helps to protect roots that might be growing close to the soil surface. Spread mulch thickly over the entire root area; it should extend about as wide as the tree canopy.
SET UP SLOW, EFFECTIVE WATER DELIVERY
Finally, you will most likely need to provide water for your trees if you hope to see them through a dry season. A basic watering every day is not the best use of your water, especially if it is rationed. There are two ways you can water your tree effectively:
1. Use a drip system.
Using a hose with hole punctures, set up a watering perimeter around the base of the tree. Put the hose in a spiral outward toward the edge of where the canopy ends; this is where the newest root growth is. New roots absorb most water and nutrients for trees.
Run the hose on low pressure most of the time. The water will slowly leach down into the soil, providing constant moisture for your tree. If water is too scarce for this type of watering, you might keep the hose running for one day and then turn it off for two or three days. The deep watering with limited evaporation and runoff is what is most important.
This is the best system for young or vulnerable trees.
2. Water deeply twice per month.
Some more mature trees may not need constant drip watering. Instead, they need a good soak. About once every two weeks, run a hose over the root area. Leave the hose on for most of the day (you can save up rationed gallons for these waterings).
The water will soak down into the soil and provide enough water to keep the tree thriving until the next deep water.
For more information on preventing drought damage, contact us at County Tree Service.
Need expert tree removal in St. Louis, MO? County Tree Service offers safe, efficient solutions. Contact (314) 920-7263 today for a free estimate.
When you need dependable tree service in Chesterfield, MO , County Tree Service is the name to know. From precision tree trimming to safe removals and storm cleanup, our experienced team handles it all with care and professionalism. We’re dedicated to keeping your yard safe, clean, and beautiful year-round. Call 314-920-7263 today for expert tree service in Chesterfield
For professional tree service in Fenton, MO , trust the experts at County Tree Service. Whether you need tree removal, trimming, or storm damage cleanup, our skilled team is ready to handle the job safely and efficiently. We take pride in keeping your trees healthy and your property looking its best. Call 314-920-7263 today for reliable tree service in Fenton you can depend on!
Need expert tree service in Ballwin, MO ? County Tree Service offers safe, efficient tree removal, trimming, and storm cleanup for homes and businesses. Our experienced crew is dedicated to keeping your property safe and your trees healthy year-round. Call 314-920-7263 today for trusted tree service in Ballwin from
Looking for dependable tree service in Saint Louis, MO ? County Tree Service is your go-to team for expert tree trimming, safe removals, and complete tree care. With years of experience and a commitment to customer satisfaction, we keep your trees healthy and your property safe. Call 314-920-7263 today for professional tree service you can count on in St. Louis!
When you need dependable tree services in Fenton, MO , County Tree Service is the local company to trust. We offer comprehensive tree care, including tree removal, trimming, stump removal, and wood chipper services to keep your property safe and beautiful. Fenton’s trees face challenges like storms, pests, and disease—our skilled team is equipped to handle all of these with professional care and attention to detail. Whether it’s routine maintenance or emergency service, we’re ready to help. For reliable tree services in Fenton, MO , call County Tree Service at 314-920-7263 today for a free estimate.
If you’re looking for professional tree services in Ballwin , MO, County Tree Service offers the expertise and equipment to handle all your tree care needs. From safe tree removal and expert trimming to stump removal and wood chipper services, we keep your property healthy and attractive. Our team understands the specific needs of Ballwin’s trees and environment. Whether it’s preventative maintenance or storm damage cleanup, we provide reliable, affordable tree services you can count on. For expert tree services in Ballwin, MO , contact County Tree Service today at 314-920-7263 for a free estimate.
For professional and trustworthy tree services in Chesterfield, MO , County Tree Service is your local expert. We provide comprehensive tree care solutions to keep your property safe, healthy, and looking great all year long. Our team offers a full range of services including tree removal , tree trimming , stump removal , and wood chipper services . Whether it’s routine maintenance or emergency tree work, we handle every job with precision and care. Chesterfield’s climate and environment can challenge your trees, but with our expert tree services in Chesterfield, MO , you can rest easy knowing your trees are in good hands. Contact County Tree Service at 314-920-7263 today for a free estimate and expert advice on your tree needs.
Trees are easy to overlook once the temperatures drop, but they still need proper care to survive the cold. Get your trees ready for the season ahead.
Tree work is a job that's best left to the professionals. Read our blog to see what dangers you avoid when you hire a tree care professional.
