Amy Seiler, Nebraska Forest Service
LINCOLN, Neb. - Woody trees and shrubs need thorough watering if they begin to show signs of leaf wilt, discoloration or drying, especially at leaf edges, said Amy Seiler of the Nebraska Forest Service.
"Extremes in temperature and precipitation often put stress on trees," Seiler said. Challenges of this sort also increase their susceptibility to insects and disease later. Trees are able to obtain moisture longer than most other plants due to deeper roots, so symptoms tend to be more delayed or may not appear until months or years later.
Newly planted trees are particularly at risk during prolonged dry periods, but even trees that have survived harsh conditions in the past can decline or even die from extended drought and heat.
To check soil moisture in a tree's root zone, Seiler recommends pushing a long screwdriver into the soil a foot or two out from the trunk. If the ground is dry and in need of watering it typically is difficult to push the screwdriver in more than a few inches.
If the soil is dry, Seiler said, "Deep, thorough watering will provide the most benefit to trees because it promotes healthy root systems." One of the best methods for deep, slow watering is to coil a soaker hose around the tree several times from the trunk to the drip line and let it run until the soil is moist to a depth of 8-12 inches. Five gallon buckets with holes can also be used to slow-irrigate the soil under trees.
The soil type does affect watering. Sandy soils have to be watered more frequently. Clay soils can be hard to re-hydrate once they dry out but will retain moisture longer.
Seiler also stressed the importance of having 2 to3 inches of mulch under trees to conserve moisture and insulate the soil from high temperatures. Unlike turfgrass, mulch doesn't compete with the tree for nutrients and moisture.
Some symptoms of drought-stunted or distorted foliage - are similar in appearance to herbicide damage. High temperatures have caused herbicides like 2,4-D to volatize and change from liquid to gas. As a result, the herbicide doesn't bind to soil particles but rises and spreads to trees and shrubs where it damages and distorts the foliage. Seiler and other foresters remind gardeners that applying herbicides and/or fertilizing are more likely to cause damage than to aid plants in extreme heat.
Changes in our climate can test the region's trees for hardiness, Seiler said. Some of the hardiest trees include bur and chinkapin oak, gambel oak in the western part of the state and hackberry. More information on tree care and health can be found at retreenebraska.org.
Amy Seiler
Nebraska Forest Service
Community Forester Specialist
308-632-2749
Karma Larsen
Communications Associate Nebraska Statewide Arboretum
(402)472-7923