Pruning Drought Stressed Shade Trees
By Kelly Feehan, UNL Extension Educator
Febaury 4, 2013
While we are in the midst of the ideal time of year (February and March) to prune most shade trees, keep in mind we are also in the midst of exceptional drought. It may be advisable to do minimal pruning this year.
How Trees Respond to Pruning
When trees are pruned, they are wounded. Trees do not heal wounds like people and animals do. Instead, they wall off wounds by producing chemicals that prevent pathogens from spreading throughout the tree through wounds.
There are times when a trees natural defense system is lowered. During these times, only minimal and necessary pruning is recommended. These times include the spring growth period, the late summer/fall dormancy preparation period, and during times of stress.
Pruning drought stressed trees could lead to increased risk of a disease or insect attack, or slow a trees recovery from drought. Not only is the tree being wounded, stored food reserves in the branches are also being removed.
News Articles
These writings appear in weekly newspapers throughout eastern Nebraska, and in the Home & Garden section of droughtresources.unl.edu, with the goal of helping homeowners manage their landscapes during drought. Public water suppliers are welcome to use these writings in their newsletters, or other clientele information tools, or share them with their community newspaper. Please credit UNL Extension as the information source.
Fire Prevention
Dry Weather, Dry Plants Are Fire Risks, 12/17/2012
During the dormant season, with dry plants and dry plant material not being covered by snow or moistened by rain, be aware of the potential fire hazard.
During the dormant season, with dry plants and dry plant material not being covered by snow or moistened by rain, be aware of the potential fire hazard.
Fruits & Vegetables
Prepare Vegetable Gardens for Dry Summer Conditions, 4/1/2013
With the possibility of drought conditions again this summer, it's a good idea to prepare your gardens properly so that your vegetables can withstand reduced water throughout the summer.
Tree Fruit Water Needs in Drought, Washington State Extension
This publication highlights critical management concerns for fruit trees under drought conditions.
With the possibility of drought conditions again this summer, it's a good idea to prepare your gardens properly so that your vegetables can withstand reduced water throughout the summer.
Tree Fruit Water Needs in Drought, Washington State Extension
This publication highlights critical management concerns for fruit trees under drought conditions.
Municipal Water Use
Water Wise for Western Nebraska: A Look at the Municipal Side of Water Conservation, 4/1/2013
Conserving water in homes and outdoor landscapes not only helps preserve this vital natural resource, but also has benefits that go beyond what some may realize.
Conserving water in homes and outdoor landscapes not only helps preserve this vital natural resource, but also has benefits that go beyond what some may realize.
Ornamentals
Keeping Your Landscape Healthy During Drought, 7/1/2012
Knowing how and when to water, as well as setting landscape priorities can help you focus your efforts.
Mulch to Conserve Soil Moisture, 12/1/2012
Mulching plants during winter can reduce injury from winter drying.
Knowing how and when to water, as well as setting landscape priorities can help you focus your efforts.
Mulch to Conserve Soil Moisture, 12/1/2012
Mulching plants during winter can reduce injury from winter drying.
Rainwater Harvesting
Alternative Water for Landscape Conservation, 3/27/2013
In many cases, public water supplies treated to a minimum standard are used for lawn and landscape irrigation. Plants do not require water that has been treated to drinking water standards.
Harvest the Rain, 9/1/2012
Because water is an important resource that needs to be conserved, rainwater harvesting is a growing trend.
In many cases, public water supplies treated to a minimum standard are used for lawn and landscape irrigation. Plants do not require water that has been treated to drinking water standards.
Harvest the Rain, 9/1/2012
Because water is an important resource that needs to be conserved, rainwater harvesting is a growing trend.
Trees & Shrubs
Heat, Drought Is Hard on Trees, 8/2/2012
Pay particular attention to trees and shrubs and thoroughly water them if they begin to show signs of leaf wilt, discoloration or drying.
Pruning Drought Stressed Trees, 2/4/2013
Pruning drought stressed trees could lead to increased risk of a disease or insect attack, or slow a trees recovery from drought.
Watering Tips for Trees & Shrubs: When to Water
Follow these easy tips to make the best use of water in your landscape.
Water Wise for Western Nebraska: Trees and Turf Have Different Water Needs, 5/3/2013
Trees and turf often share space in home landscapes, but they have different water needs. Understanding this can help conserve water and save money.
Windbreaks and Snow Fences, 1/18/2013
The ongoing drought makes us value whatever moisture we get, even snow.
Pay particular attention to trees and shrubs and thoroughly water them if they begin to show signs of leaf wilt, discoloration or drying.
Pruning Drought Stressed Trees, 2/4/2013
Pruning drought stressed trees could lead to increased risk of a disease or insect attack, or slow a trees recovery from drought.
Watering Tips for Trees & Shrubs: When to Water
Follow these easy tips to make the best use of water in your landscape.
Water Wise for Western Nebraska: Trees and Turf Have Different Water Needs, 5/3/2013
Trees and turf often share space in home landscapes, but they have different water needs. Understanding this can help conserve water and save money.
Windbreaks and Snow Fences, 1/18/2013
The ongoing drought makes us value whatever moisture we get, even snow.
Turfgrass
13 Effective Strategies for Managing Lawns during Periods of Hot, Dry Weather
Turf care under the hot sun.
Areas Exceptionally Drought-Stressed or Not Re-greening with Rain/Irrigation? , 6/16/2011
If turf looks exceptionally drought stressed/dormant in unirrigated areas or if areas are not regreening with rain, there may be other issues occurring.
Avoid Overwatering Lawns and Landscapes, 5/6/2013
When it comes to landscape irrigation, much water is wasted. Some estimates are that lawns and landscapes are overwatered by 30 to 300 percent.
Early Heat Leads to Irrigation on Lawns, 6/7/2012
With soil and air temperatures a month ahead of schedule this year, turf irrigation is also ahead of schedule.
How Long Will Kentucky Bluegrass or Tall Fescue Survive When Dormant?, 7/21/1012
Either because of drought or perhaps to conserve water, cool-season grasses can be allowed to go dormant in extended droughts.
Water Wise for Western Nebraska: When to Start Watering, Fertilizing and Mowing in Western Nebraska, April 8, 2013
When spring brings warmer days, it’s tempting to watering the lawn and spread some fertilizer. But before you do that, take a moment to stop and think.
Water Wise for Western Nebraska: Fertilizing and Mowing Your Lawn, 4/15/2013
Fertilizing a turf grass lawn is a lot more than just buying a bag of fertilizer and spreading it all in the spring.
Water Wise for Western Nebraska: Trees and Turf Have Different Water Needs, 5/3/2013
Trees and turf often share space in home landscapes, but they have different water needs. Understanding this can help conserve water and save money.
Turf care under the hot sun.
Areas Exceptionally Drought-Stressed or Not Re-greening with Rain/Irrigation? , 6/16/2011
If turf looks exceptionally drought stressed/dormant in unirrigated areas or if areas are not regreening with rain, there may be other issues occurring.
Avoid Overwatering Lawns and Landscapes, 5/6/2013
When it comes to landscape irrigation, much water is wasted. Some estimates are that lawns and landscapes are overwatered by 30 to 300 percent.
Early Heat Leads to Irrigation on Lawns, 6/7/2012
With soil and air temperatures a month ahead of schedule this year, turf irrigation is also ahead of schedule.
How Long Will Kentucky Bluegrass or Tall Fescue Survive When Dormant?, 7/21/1012
Either because of drought or perhaps to conserve water, cool-season grasses can be allowed to go dormant in extended droughts.
Water Wise for Western Nebraska: When to Start Watering, Fertilizing and Mowing in Western Nebraska, April 8, 2013
When spring brings warmer days, it’s tempting to watering the lawn and spread some fertilizer. But before you do that, take a moment to stop and think.
Water Wise for Western Nebraska: Fertilizing and Mowing Your Lawn, 4/15/2013
Fertilizing a turf grass lawn is a lot more than just buying a bag of fertilizer and spreading it all in the spring.
Water Wise for Western Nebraska: Trees and Turf Have Different Water Needs, 5/3/2013
Trees and turf often share space in home landscapes, but they have different water needs. Understanding this can help conserve water and save money.
Hort Update for May 8, 2013
| Lawns | Major Symptom: |
| 1. Summer Patch |
Symptoms appear in summer. Fungicide treatments in May. |
| 2. Yellow Nutsedge |
Apply herbicides prior to June 21st. |
| Established in 7 Nebraska counties. Important to monitor. | |
| Trees & Shrubs | |
| 4. Spruce Mites | Mite active in April and May. Monitor for damage. |
| 5. Common Scale Insects | Inspect lilac and euonymus for scale insects. |
| 6. Efficient Tree Watering | Drip irrigation, soaker hoses, slow dripping pails good watering methods. |
| 7. Pruning Spring Blooming Shrubs | Time to prune is within one month after flowering. |
| Landscape Ornamentals | |
| 8. Perennials for Dry Locations | Replacing high water use plants helps conserve water, ensures plant survival. |
| 9. Preventing Rabbit Damage |
Protect new growth from rabbit nibbling, e.g. bulbs, Asiatic lilies, hosta |
| Fruits & Vegetables | |
| 10. Inspect for Early Infestation of Squash Bugs |
Flat, brownish-black insects cause wilting and death of cucurbits |
| 11. Grass Clippings and Herbicide | Check current label guidelines, and follow recommendations |
| 12. Inspect for Cabbage Loopers | Holes in cabbage heads and leaves. Greenish, looping caterpillar |