Grounds Services, Inc. | Turf, Tree & Shrub Management System: Tree & Shrub: Insect ID: Drought

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drought stress Drought Stress

Plants suffering from drought stress may exhibit signs immediately or hold back visual signs for a year or two. Short-term drought is lack of adequate moisture for one growing season while long-term drought is inadequate moisture for multiple seasons. Most trees are able to recover from a short-term drought though may die is conditions persist for years.

Damage to look for :

Scorch
Die back from the top down and from the outside inward
Leaf wilting or yellowing
Lack of growth
Winter Injury (following drought)
Plant produces an abundance of seeds
Conifer needles turn brown, red or purple
Spider mite and canker activity pick up

What homeowners can do:

Water your landscaped plants deeply and infrequently during times of drought (6-12 inches) under the canopy of the tree (do not water the trunk of the tree as this may lead to rot)
Do not dig holes under the tree as it may expose the root system
Using 5 gal buckets with a quarter inch hole in the bottom allows for water to seep out for the trees (10 gal of water per inch diameter of tree) under the canopy / drip line

If you questions, call Grounds Services today at 419-536-4344.