This summer-loving gardener is ready for a break from the heat! The heat and drought conditions are tough this summer, on people and plants. The U.S. Drought Monitor maps show Williamson County to be in severe to extreme drought as of July 27, 2023.
The effects of drought are easy to see in some plants that start to wilt after a day or two without water, but this dry weather and extreme heat have persisted long enough to show serious symptoms in trees, shrubs, and our drought tolerant perennial plants.
Stress accumulates in plants year after year, and this is especially true for trees. I have seen many trees go into a quick decline this summer, but the hot weather is only partially
to blame. We also have to look back several years and add up all the stressful environmental conditions such as Winter Storm Uri, drought in 2022, and the ice storm in January 2023. All these extreme conditions add stress to a tree, and stressed trees are more susceptible to disease and pest problems.
We can help reduce stress on trees during drought conditions by giving supplemental water. There is not a one-size-fits-all formula for how much to water a tree. Consider the type of tree you have, soil conditions, and the age of the tree. A well-established tree in good soil may not need much supplemental water. Monitor your trees to look for signs of stress like yellow or wilted leaves.
If you do see signs of stress and the ground is extremely dry under the tree, you should consider watering your trees. Water your tree under the crown and extend it a few feet beyond the dripline of the tree. The feeder roots that take up water are not near the trunk, so we want to focus the water closer to the dripline area of the tree.
Soaker hoses, drip irrigation, or a slow trickle from a water hose are the best methods to water trees. Water in the evening, night, or early morning. The amount of water you need to use depends on soil conditions and your location. A good rule of thumb is two to three gallons of water per diameter inch of the trunk.
Be sure to check your city’s watering guidelines to learn if you have any water restrictions. Use an efficient watering method like drip irrigation or a soaker hose when you can to help conserve water. Remember, a deep watering about every 10 to 14 days is better than frequent, light watering.
For more information about lawn and garden topics, contact Kate Hajda, Williamson County Horticulture Extension Agent, at 512-943-3300.
