Arborcare Tree Specialist

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How have our trees been affected by the weather in 2007?

What happened in 2007?

Climate Facts

• Record warmest March on books (high of 86*)

• Record Low on April 8th (23*) after trees had bloomed

• August was the hottest month on record

• 24 days in a row over 96*

• 15 days in a row over 102*

• 2nd warmest year on record

• Worst drought in 50 years

What does all of this mean?  The trees have and will continue to struggle to survive these severe conditions.

What can we do about it?

Irrigation- the supply of supplimental water to the roots system of trees

Irrigation can have advantages and disadvantages for your trees.  If done properly you can greatly reduce the chances of your trees becoming stressed.  Improperly irrigated tree are at just as much risk(or more) of dieing as tree left to themselves to "weather the storm".        

How to properly water trees. 

Trees need deep infrequent waterings.  Tree roots will always go where the water and oxygen are, if they receive small amounts of water every day, the roots will grow up on the top few inches of the soil.  When the 100* days of August arrive, the tree roots are parched and baked from being too close to the surface.  If the trees receive deep waterings that are spaced at least 5-7 day apart, it will train the roots to grow 10-14" deep looking for water and when those hot days come, the roots will be too deep to be harmed.

Watering can be Expensive/illegal, what be done to help?

A thin layer of mulch under the drip line will aid the soil with the retention of water, the added effect of increasing organic matter in the soil is a benefit. 

Spread the mulch in as big an area as possable and not more than 2" in depth