Trees and Drought

The majority of the Midwest has undergone a severe drought over the past year.  During periods of extended drought, trees can die or become susceptible to disease and insect problems due to water stress.  Healthy trees play many important roles in our daily lives.  They provide shade, which can also reduce heating and cooling costs.  Also, having trees in your yard can boost property value.  Dead trees pose a serious safety risk.  They have a higher likelihood of uprooting and falling during high winds and severe storms, which could lead to serious injury and property damage.

Weekly tree watering is the best method of preventing water stress or tree death during a drought.  It is important to imitate two inches of rainfall every week during dry periods.  The best time to water trees is from 10pm - 8am, since trees refill their water supplies overnight.  The next best time is during the late afternoon.

While mature trees only need to be watered once a week during drought, younger trees (2-5 years since planted) require watering three times a week during drought.  Using mulch or wood chips underneath the canopy of the tree can help hold in the moisture given by rainfall or watering.  To determine if a tree needs to be watered, push a screwdriver into the ground.  If the screwdriver easily goes 6-8 inches into the ground, the tree does not need watering.  However, if the screwdriver will hardly push into the ground, then it's time to water.

A garden hose can be used for watering large yard trees.  Lay the hose at the base of the tree and let the water flow until the water begins to run off the soil.  Water the entire area under the canopy, as a tree's roots will grow as far as its canopy extends.  

To water a small or medium tree, use a soaker hose.  Encircle the tree with the soaker hose and let it work for about 4 hours.  Again, work outwards from the trunk to water the entire area under the canopy.  

If you are looking for the fastest method to water trees, a sprinkler is your best bet.  Run the sprinkler for about 30 minutes and then move it around under the tree canopy to ensure the whole area gets watered.  

For a small or newly-planted tree, a modified five-gallon bucket works well.  Drill small holes into the bottom of the bucket and set it near the tree.  Fill it with water so it will slowly flow out the bottom.  Move the bucket around the tree to cover everywhere under the canopy.

Tree watering takes very little time, effort, and money.  Your water bill may go up by a dollar or two, but it will save you money in the long run by preventing a raise in cooling costs and preventing the high cost of tree removal for when the tree dies.  Droughts are dangerous in many respects and it's important to remember the trees in their time of need.

References

Missouri Department of Conservation. (2012). Watering shade trees. Retrieved from  http://mdc.mo.gov/landwater-care/homeowners/backyard-tree-care/watering-shade-trees

Texas A&M Forest Service. (2012). Texas drought. Retrieved fromhttp://texasforestservice.tamu.edu/main/default.aspx

Trowbridge, D. (2012). Scars of drought visible on certain trees, shrubs. The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved fromhttp://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/home_and_garden/2012/09/02/1-scars-of-drought-stress-visible-on-certain-trees-shrubs.html