What Should I Do with My Trees in a Drought?

Droughts have become more frequent in many parts of the U.S. over the last few years. Warmer temperatures increase evaporation, reducing surface water and drying out soil to create longer drought seasons. These longer droughts can stress trees and other plant life, causing them to decline. 

Len Burkhart, a Davey Institute technical advisor based in California, shares signs of drought and solutions to protect trees and plant life in your landscape. 

Here are some of his tips for detecting whether your trees are affected by drought.  

Look Out For These Drought Signs 

• Leaf loss
• Leaf wilt or leaves that start to curl
• Scorched, gray-tinted leaves
• Thinning canopy
• Branches drying out and dying
• Wood-boring insects
• Pine tree discoloration, when needles turn a grayish-green color and then turn into rust once dead. 

10 Steps You Should Take If You Notice Signs of Drought In Your Trees 

1. Follow all water rules and regulations. Know watering regulations set by your community, water provider, and/or water district during drought season. Be mindful of these watering rules.
2. Be water-wise. Do not use excess water during a drought. Know how much water your trees and landscape need to survive and water accordingly. Water using 5 to 20 gallons, depending on the tree species, once or twice a week.
   1. *Watering tip for clay-based soil: Dig approximately 4 to 6 inches into the ground near one of your trees after watering. Form a ball of dirt in your hand. If water squeezes out, you’ve overwatered. You should not have mud residue on your hand.
3. Water at the right time. Water between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. to maximize its effectiveness. Watering during the day allows for quicker evaporation, minimizing the amount of water that gets to your roots.
4. Utilize mulch. Mulch retains soil moisture around tree roots and alleviates soil surface water evaporation. Use correct mulching techniques to combat disease and infestation.
5. Water newly planted trees first. New plants and trees in your landscape require more water than mature plants. Sustain new plants while caring for the old to create lasting impressions in your landscape.
6. Delay further planting until fall. Hold off planting new trees and plants in your landscape to conserve natural resources. Reassess drought conditions in the fall for future plantings.
7. Invest in rain barrels. Use rain barrels inside and outside your home to collect excess water. Use rain barrels indoors to gather water from leaky faucets or drains, and use barrels outside to collect rainfall and dew.     
8. Re-use recycled water or gray-water. We use water every day for numerous activities, from showering to washing our clothes and dishes. You can save surplus water or “gray water” from sinks, showers, tubs, and washing machines by installing various filtering systems.   
9. Inspect irrigation systems. Burkhart recommends checking your irrigation system once a month for blockage and breaks. Make sure to avoid hitting the trunks or stems of trees and plants when watering. That increases the chance of trunk cankers and root-rot diseases. Also, remember to water where the roots are.
10. Create drought-prone (or drought-resistant) landscapes. Make sure to research trees and plants that are native to your climate before planting. Drought-tolerant trees and plants will save you water and survive longer during dry spells, creating lasting benefits. 

What NOT to Do During a Drought 

• Water hardscapes
• Fertilize
• Water on windy or rainy days
• Over-water
• Use water with high salt content
• Water the trunk of trees, which may cause trunk cankers or lead to root-rot diseases. 

For more information about tree and landscape care during a drought, check out Colorado State University’s Watering a Home Landscape During Drought article. 

Worried your trees and plants are becoming victims of drought? Schedule a free consultation today.