Union County is currently experiencing severe drought conditions with extreme heat expected to arrive around July 4th. Prolonged dry conditions can stress recently-planted trees and landscaping, and can even stress our mature trees.
Mature trees and landscaping growing near homes, along driveways, or in managed landscapes represent a substantial investment. The loss of a large shade tree can cost thousands of dollars in removal expenses, not to mention the loss of property value, energy savings, and the beauty these trees provide. By comparison, spending $20 to $40 on supplemental water during the hottest and driest part of summer is inexpensive insurance.
One of the greatest concerns during drought is the increased risk of ambrosia beetle infestation in mature oaks. These tiny beetles are attracted to stressed trees and introduce a fungus that disrupts the movement of water and nutrients within the tree. Once symptoms become obvious, it’s too late to intervene and decline happens quickly. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Homeowners should consider providing supplemental water to high-value trees and/or large trees near their homes, particularly mature oaks and other intentionally planted shade trees that would be difficult or impossible to replace. Oaks are among our most valuable and common landscape trees, and many provide decades of shade and environmental benefits.
Apply water slowly to the soil beneath the canopy, focusing on the area from the trunk outward toward the dripline. A deep soaking every one to two weeks during prolonged dry periods is generally more beneficial than frequent, shallow watering. A general guideline is to apply approximately 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter (3 gallons per inch of trunk circumference) during extended dry periods.
Other practices that help reduce drought stress include maintaining a mulch ring around the tree and reducing grass competition beneath the canopy. A three-inch thick layer of hardwood mulch can help conserve valuable soil moisture.
Large mature trees cannot simply be replaced. During severe drought, a small investment in supplemental watering may prevent the loss of a tree that took generations to grow and could cost thousands of dollars to remove. Protecting our mature trees now may save both money and heartache later.
