Why It's Important to Care for Trees During Drought & How To Do It

Now it's our turn to care for the trees!

Drought conditions can cause serious damage to trees, resulting in weakened root systems and decreased growth. Proper care for trees during a drought is essential if you want them to survive the dry spell and thrive afterwards. Let's explore why it’s important to take extra steps to care for your trees during a drought, as well as some of the challenges they face when water levels are low.

By taking these measures, you can ensure that your trees remain healthy even through difficult times.

Why Trees Need Watering During a Drought

It's no revelation that trees, like all living organisms, require water to survive and thrive. However, when a drought strikes, it's crucial to pay extra attention to watering these magnificent and beneficial natural wonders. We might have the impression that in-ground irrigation systems and sprinklers are doing an adequate job of keeping our mature trees sufficiently hydrated, but that's not always the case. The reason being, they are primarily designed for grass and other smaller plants, which have shallow root systems compared to trees.

The competition for water resources between trees and other plants can leave our towering friends at a disadvantage, as trees draw water from deeper within the ground, making it more challenging for them to access water during dry spells.

The consequences of inadequate water for trees can range from reduced growth and vigor to an increase in pest and disease vulnerability, and in severe cases, even death. So, the next time a drought comes around, let's not overlook our leafy giants and ensure they receive the water they desperately need.

Best Practices for Watering Trees During a Drought

There are two ways you can give your trees the sufficient water they need during a drought. And that’s hand watering them or using a soaker hose.

Soaker Hose: Soaker hoses are flexible, permeable tubes that slowly and deeply release water into the ground at the tree’s roots. They are a great way to slowly and efficiently deliver water directly to the root zone of your trees without wasting it on foliage or nearby plants. Make sure to cover all of the roots and use it often when there is a drought.

Hand Watering: For smaller trees or newly planted ones, hand watering is the best option. Here, we’ll discuss a few tips to keep in mind when doing it manually.

Certain types of trees such as evergreens and conifers require extra attention during a drought. These trees have shallow root systems and lose more moisture to transpiration than other tree species. Since their roots are so shallow, it is essential to monitor the soil and make sure that these trees do not become too dry.

How to Help Trees Retain Moisture During a Drought

Mulching is an important part of caring for trees during a drought. It helps to regulate the moisture in the soil and protect the roots from warm temperatures and direct sunlight. By serving as a protective shield between the soil and air, mulch helps to curtail water loss through evaporation. This barrier also helps keep weeds away, which can compete for much-needed water and nutrients. For best results, spread a layer of mulch about two to three inches thick around the tree's root zone.

In addition to mulching, applying deep watering in the early morning or evening (when temperatures are cooler) is another way to help trees keep their moisture levels up during a drought. Doing this helps the tree absorb water more efficiently and encourages deep root growth, which is essential for its health. Lastly, make sure to remove any damaged or diseased branches, as this will help reduce water loss due to transpiration.

No matter what methods you use to keep your trees hydrated during a drought, remember to be consistent. With regular hydration and maintenance, your trees will remain strong and vibrant even in the driest of climates.

When facing a drought, turn to the expertise of professional tree care service providers for your trees' health and well-being. Certified arborists provide expert advice and guidance on the most efficient methods to ensure trees are adequately hydrated, as well as offer invaluable insight into how to limit the destruction caused by drought. Additionally, they can provide information on tree selection, maintenance, and other preventative steps to help the trees survive the drought.

Need an arborist for the job? Call us now and let’s talk about it!