Learn how to recognize the symptoms of drought stress and what you can do to keep your trees healthy.
This drought has been going on for years, and the effects on our plants and trees are still being felt. You might have noticed that some of your outdoor plants are struggling. While losing a few plants can be upsetting, sick or dying trees can pose a serious threat to you, your home, and your community.
Drought stress on trees can reduce property value, attract invasive pests, harbor diseases, and increase the risk of wildfires if not properly managed.
Look for Early Indications of Drought Stress In the Leaves.
Early detection is the key to maintaining your tree’s health and attractiveness if you are worried about the health of your trees during a drought. The likelihood of losing the tree decreases the faster drought stress is identified.
Check your leaves for indications of tree drought stress:
- Wilting: Drooping and curled leaves
- Leaf scorch causes leaves to turn brown from the outside (see picture above), and pine needles to turn yellow.
- Defoliation: The shedding of leaves, either from an evergreen or before the fall.
- Little Leaves: Smaller than typical new leaves will emerge.
- Stem dieback: When there are insufficient nutrients, stems start to die from the outside of the canopy inward.
Drought Stress’s Long-Term Consequences On Plants
Without proper care, the effects of drought sickness can not only kill the tree but also have long-term consequences for the surrounding landscape.
Long-Term Drought Stress In Trees Has The Following Side Effects:
- Tree death: Dead trees can pose a serious threat to the safety of your property.
- Pests: Because the tree is weak, wood-boring beetles and other invasive pests can take hold. Pests will most likely infest all other nearby trees if proper care or professional Tree Removal Ottawa is not provided.
- Drought-stressed trees are more susceptible to mildew, fungus, and a variety of other infectious diseases that can spread to other trees. Drought stress increases the likelihood of sunken, greyish cankers, root rot, and wood rot.
How to Prevent Drought Damage to Your Trees
Drought stress can cause serious damage to your trees. The good news is that there are several steps you can take to help your trees stay healthy. Here are three things you can do right now to give your trees a fighting chance in this ongoing drought.
Mulch Organic mulch has many benefits for tree health, one of which is that it keeps water near the tree’s roots, where it is most needed. In this article, Save Water and Your Trees This Summer with Proper Mulching, you can learn more about the benefits and proper methods of mulching.
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Smart Watering
Drought tolerance is supported by less frequent, deep watering, whereas frequent, shallow watering may harm the root structure. Dig six inches down to evaluate the soil before watering mature trees.
If no moisture is found, watering is necessary. Watering in the early morning will help to decrease evaporation. Try to hydrate the entire root system suggests Arborist Ottawa, excluding the trunk.
Weeding
Your trees will compete with an overgrowth of weeds for water and nutrients. To prevent their roots from having to share resources with these intruders, carefully weed the area around your trees and bushes.
How to Care for Drought Affected Trees
The drought is not yet over. With the ongoing lack of water, it’s critical to keep an eye out for signs of drought stress in your trees. Remember that the first sign of drought stress will be in the leaves.
At the same time, by mulching, watering more efficiently, and keeping weeds at bay, you can help your trees make the most of their limited water supply.
