Cincinnati is feeling the impact of a D2 level drought, and our trees are starting to show the strain. At Gregory Forrest Lester, Inc., we’re here to remind you that watering your trees is more critical now than ever. Trees aren’t just suffering in the short term—drought stress can have lasting effects on their health for years to come. While trees might look fine now, lack of water can weaken their roots and make them more vulnerable to pests, diseases, and even branch loss down the road.
As we mentioned in a previous post on proper watering to prevent tree stress and branch loss, drought conditions put tremendous pressure on trees. Without enough water, they can’t take up the nutrients they need to thrive. This stress can lead to branch dieback, leaf browning, and in severe cases, even tree death.
To give your trees the best chance of survival during this dry spell, proper watering is key. But it’s not as simple as just turning on the sprinkler. In our blog on watering trees during Cincinnati’s dry spell, we emphasized the importance of deep watering. Shallow watering encourages surface roots, which dry out quickly, while deep watering reaches the roots that sustain your tree through stressful conditions. For mature trees, we recommend watering about 10-15 gallons per week. You want to focus on the root zone, which extends far beyond the tree’s dripline, so don’t just water near the trunk.
Another important thing to keep in mind is the time of day you’re watering. Early morning or late evening is best to minimize evaporation and ensure your trees are soaking up as much water as possible.
Even after this drought ends (and with no rain in the forecast, it could be a while), the effects will linger. The drought can cause long-term damage that might not show up for years. That’s why proactive care is so important right now. At Gregory Forrest Lester, Inc., we specialize in tree health and can check your trees for signs of drought stress. Whether it’s early warning signs like wilting leaves or more serious issues like branch loss, we can help develop a care plan to keep your trees healthy and strong.
Remember, trees are an investment in your landscape, and keeping them healthy through this drought will pay off for years to come. If you’re unsure about how to water or need an expert opinion, contact the Tree Health Professionals at Gregory Forrest Lester, Inc. We’re here to help you care for your trees during these tough times and make sure they stay strong for years to come.
For more details on how to water your trees effectively, be sure to check out our full blog posts on proper watering techniques and tree care during Cincinnati’s dry spells.