At Gregory Forrest Lester, Inc., we understand the vital role that trees play in the beauty and health of our landscapes in Cincinnati, Ohio. With a team that includes ISA Certified Arborists and an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist, we're committed to helping you maintain the vitality of your trees. One of the most critical aspects of tree care, especially during the summer and particularly as we enter a long dry spell, is proper watering. Here’s why and how to ensure your trees receive the water they need.
The Importance of Watering
Watering is crucial for the survival and growth of all types of trees, particularly during the hot summer months and extended dry periods. Insufficient water can lead to tree decline, making them more vulnerable to pathogens and pests. To give your trees the best chance at thriving, follow these watering guidelines:
Apply Water at the Right Spot: Focus on the center of the mulch bed near the tree trunk, right above the root ball. This ensures the roots get the full benefit of the water.
Avoid Watering the Leaves: When watering, be sure to avoid getting water on the leaves. Wet leaves can promote fungal diseases and mildew, which can harm your tree's health.
Maintain Mulch Correctly: Create a mulch "donut" around your tree. This means keeping approximately 3 inches of mulch around the edge of the root ball and tapering down to almost no mulch at the base of the trunk. This setup helps retain water in the root ball every time you water while allowing air to flow to the trunk, preventing rot and promoting healthy growth.
Checking Soil Moisture
Not sure if it's time to water? Here's a simple method to check:
Use a screwdriver to probe 2-3 inches into the soil.
If the soil feels moist to the touch, your tree has adequate water.
If the soil is dry, it’s time to water.
Avoiding Overwatering
While it's essential to keep your trees hydrated, overwatering can be detrimental. Always allow the ground to become damp rather than saturated between waterings to avoid root rot. Ensuring the soil becomes damp between waterings helps prevent excessive moisture around the roots, which can lead to oxygen deprivation and root diseases.
Summer Watering Tips
As temperatures rise during the summer months, it becomes even more critical to maintain proper watering practices for your trees. Here are some detailed tips to ensure your trees stay healthy and hydrated:
Water Deeply and Infrequently: Instead of frequent shallow watering, aim for deep watering sessions. This encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil, making the tree more resilient during dry spells. Watering deeply means applying enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches.
Water Early in the Day: The best time to water trees is early in the morning. This reduces evaporation, ensuring more water reaches the roots. It also allows the foliage to dry out during the day, minimizing the risk of fungal diseases.
Use Soaker Hoses or Drip Irrigation: These methods deliver water directly to the soil, reducing water waste and ensuring the roots get the moisture they need. They also help keep the foliage dry, which is beneficial for the overall health of the tree.
Mulch to Conserve Moisture: As mentioned, maintaining a proper mulch "donut" around the tree helps conserve soil moisture and keeps the roots cool. Mulch also reduces weed competition, which can otherwise rob your tree of necessary water.
Monitor for Signs of Water Stress: During the summer, keep a close eye on your trees for signs of water stress. Wilting, yellowing, or browning leaves, and premature leaf drop can all indicate that your tree needs more water.
Weekly Monitoring in Summer
In the summer, it's crucial to monitor your trees weekly to ensure they remain healthy and address any issues promptly. Here’s what to look for:
Insects: Check for pests such as aphids, caterpillars, and beetles. Look for signs of insect activity, including holes in leaves, chewed edges, and clusters of insects on branches or leaves.
Diseases: Keep an eye out for symptoms of disease, such as discolored or spotted leaves, unusual leaf drop, and lesions on branches or trunks. Common tree diseases include powdery mildew, rust, and canker.
Unusual Leaf Color Changes: Leaves should be a consistent color appropriate for the tree species. Look for yellowing, browning, or reddening outside the normal seasonal changes.
Deforming Leaves: Abnormal leaf shapes, sizes, or textures can indicate a problem. This could be due to nutrient deficiencies, pests, or diseases.
Cracks in the Bark or Branches: Inspect the tree trunk and branches for cracks or splits, which can be signs of stress or disease. These openings can also serve as entry points for pests and pathogens.
Seasonal Tree Care Tips
Spring: This season is critical for tree establishment, especially after transplanting, as up to 90% of the roots can be cut during this process. Spring fertilization helps build robust roots and a healthy leaf canopy. Weekly monitoring for insects, diseases, unusual leaf color changes, deformities, and cracks in the bark or branches is essential.
Summer: Continue weekly monitoring for the same issues to catch any problems early and keep your trees healthy throughout the hottest months. Additionally, increase the frequency of soil moisture checks and adjust your watering schedule based on the weather conditions and specific needs of your trees.
Trust the Experts
At Gregory Forrest Lester, Inc., we are passionate about tree health and committed to providing the highest level of care for your trees. Our team of ISA Certified Arborists and ISA Board Certified Master Arborist is here to help you with all your tree health needs in Cincinnati, Ohio. Whether you need advice on watering, fertilization, or pest management, we have the expertise to ensure your trees flourish year-round.
With the long dry spell we are entering, proper watering is crucial for your tree's overall health. For personalized guidance and professional tree care services, contact Gregory Forrest Lester, Inc. today and let our experts help you nurture the natural beauty of your landscape.
Tree-rific Trivia:
Tree Rings Tell Stories
Trees have rings inside their trunks that can tell us how old they are and what the climate was like when they were growing. Scientists around the world use tree rings to learn about past droughts, floods, and even historical events! Each ring represents one year of growth, and by studying the width and characteristics of these rings, scientists can piece together a tree's life story.