Is My Tree Dying from Summer Drought?

This summer has been super-dry pretty much everywhere. From Texas to Iowa, from New York to California, and even from the United Kingdom to China, it seems like drought conditions are being experienced in every corner of the United States and the world. If rain has been in short supply in your neck of the woods, there’s no doubt that your landscaping is feeling the pain. When it comes to watering your landscaping, lawns, flowers, and fruits and veggies are what most people focus on; many don’t really pay their trees much mind. Why? Well, because it’s just kind of assumed that trees are hearty and they can withstand harsh conditions. While even mature tree(s) can struggle, young tree(s) in particular are at a higher risk of dying during a summer drought.

Is My Tree Dying from Summer Drought?

Yes, it is true that various species of trees are hardier than flowers, fruits, veggies, and grass, and can withstand dry conditions for longer periods of time. However, we must remember that trees are living beings. Just like all living beings, trees need water to thrive. After prolonged exposure to drought conditions, trees not only can and will suffer. If the trees don’t receive the water that they need, eventually, they’ll die.

Are you wondering if your trees are starting to suffer as a result of drought? Read on to learn about the signs that your arboreal friends are starting to get stressed. We also have tips that you can use to help relieve some of the stress caused by excessive dryness.

Signs of Drought Stress in Trees

Both evergreen and deciduous trees are hardier than other kinds of plants in your landscape, such as grass, annual and perennial flowers, and fruits and veggies. That said, however, they can only withstand super-dry, drought conditions for so long, and eventually, they start feeling strained. Younger trees will become stressed before mature trees. However, trees of all ages will suffer if they don’t receive any water for prolonged periods of time.

How can you tell if your trees are starting to feel stressed? Here’s a look at some of the signs that indicate your arboreal friends are being negatively impacted by the effects of drought.

• Wilted foliage
• Leaf scorch
• Yellowing
• A canopy of undersized, off-colored leaves
• Leaf drop
• Early fall foliage
• Minimal new bud production
• Limited to no new growth

While the above-mentioned issues are bad enough, there’s another issue that trees can face when they are strained by drought-like conditions… pests and diseases. When trees are suffering from a lack of water, they are weakened. During this weakened state, they’re more susceptible to pest infestations and organisms that can cause widespread disease. For instance, drought-stricken elm trees are more prone to Dutch elm disease, while oak trees in the southern United States are often prayed on by hardwood borers, an invasive pest.

How to Care for Drought-Stricken Trees

If your trees are showing signs of drought stress, the good news is you can take action to resolve the problem and reverse the damage. Namely, watering is the primary solution. However, it’s important to note that you do need to water properly.

Certified arborists agree that the best way to water a tree is by placing a sprinkler right beneath it. This is because the majority of the active tree roots are buried in the uppermost 12 inches of soil. When it’s time to water a tree, set a bowl, a pot, or an empty can underneath the tree and within close proximity to the sprinkler. When about two inches of water has collected in the container, the tree has had a good, healthy drink. Continue this watering process once or twice a week until the dying trees begin to thrive again.

Additional Information: Your Trees and This Summer’s Heat Waves and Drought – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

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