Help For Drought Damaged Trees

Over the last three years, the Southeast Texas area has witnessed a substantial drought throughout the summer months.  Drought-related stress has taken its toll on many valuable trees, which are difficult and expensive to replace.  Like humans, trees can suffer from heat stroke.  Intense heat and low humidity increase a tree’s demand for water.  Lack of soil moisture can lead to a cascade of events that, depending on the duration of the drought and other stresses, can cause serious tree health problems.  

Even if trees receive sufficient rainfall later in the year, studies of annual tree rings have shown that the growth of trees can be reduced for several years following a drought. Fortunately, there are several practices that can be employed to save drought-stressed trees in the Southeast Texas area.  

Tips for Mitigating Drought Stress in Texas

Proper Watering

• Most trees require approximately 1 to 2 inches of water each week during the summer, which can be measured using a simple technique with a coffee can placed underneath a sprinkler.
• Avoid overwatering, as continually wet soil can lead to other issues. Irrigating once or twice a week is better than every other day.
• Using 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the tree, away from the trunk, can reduce water loss and keep the soil cool.

Fertilization

• Applying the right type of fertilizer can reduce the severity of drought injury and aid in the tree's recovery.
• Use only Arbor Green or another slow-release, low-salt fertilizer to avoid worsening drought symptoms.
• Adding mycorrhizae, a beneficial fungus, with the fertilizer can promote the growth of the tree's root system, effectively making more water available to the trees.

Pest and Disease Control

• Drought-stressed trees are more susceptible to attack by various insects and disease-causing organisms.
• Specific trees, such as oaks, sweetgums, and pines, are more prone to certain pests and diseases during drought.
• Examples include oaks being more likely to succumb to hypoxylon, sweetgums being more vulnerable to bleeding canker, and pines being extremely susceptible to pine bark beetles.
• Controlling insect infestations and diseases is crucial to prevent further weakening or death of already declining trees.
• It's important not to ignore trees during a drought, as this is when they need assistance the most.

For more watering tips for your trees, go here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHsNwpPzK2U