How to Take Care of Trees During a Drought

Tree care is critical during droughts to ensure the health and survival of your trees. Drought stress can cause wilting leaves and branches, shallow roots, and even death in trees. In this article, we’ll go over how to care for your trees during a drought, including watering techniques, mulching, and pruning.

We’ll also discuss how to prepare for drought conditions, recognize signs of drought stress in trees, and assist your trees in recovering from drought damage. You can ensure the longevity and beauty of your trees by following these best practices even in the driest of conditions.

Here’s the Key Takeaways

Water your trees deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth.
Use organic mulch to help retain moisture and improve soil quality.
Prune away broken, dead, or diseased branches to improve the overall health of your tree.
Keep an eye out for signs of drought stress, such as yellow or brown leaves, wilted or curled leaves, cracked or peeling bark, and deadwood.
Use root stimulants, root aeration, growth-regulating hormones, and insect control products to help your tree recover from drought damage.
Water young trees more frequently and deeply, while watering mature trees less frequently and deeply.
Avoid heavy pruning, overwatering, and using inorganic mulch during a drought.
If you need help taking care of your trees during a drought, our team of experienced arborists at Burbank Tree Pros is here to help.

Preparing for Drought Conditions

There are several steps you can take to prepare your trees for drought conditions. By taking proactive measures, you can help your trees withstand dry spells and reduce the risk of drought stress.

Tree Selection:

Choose drought-tolerant tree species that are well-suited to your local climate Avoid planting trees that are prone to moisture-related problems in your area

Soil Preparation:

Use well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging and root rot Amend the soil with organic matter to improve moisture retention

Heat Stress Protection:

Plant trees in shaded areas to reduce the amount of direct sunlight they receive Use shading methods like tree wraps, shadesails, or burlap to provide additional protection Select trees with thick canopies or smaller crowns to reduce the surface area exposed to the sun

How to Prepare for Drought Conditions

Select the right tree species: Not all tree species are well-suited to drought conditions. Research the best trees for your local climate and choose species that are known for their drought tolerance.
Improve soil drainage: Proper soil drainage is essential for tree health, especially during drought. Use well-draining soil and consider adding organic matter to improve moisture retention.
Provide shade: Direct sunlight can be harsh on trees, especially during drought. Plant trees in shaded areas or use shading methods like tree wraps, shadesails, or burlap to provide additional protection.
Choose trees with smaller crowns: Trees with large, spreading crowns have a greater surface area exposed to the sun, which can increase their risk of heat stress during drought. Consider selecting trees with smaller crowns or thicker canopies to reduce the amount of sunlight they receive.
Monitor soil moisture levels: Regularly check the moisture levels in the soil around your trees, and water as needed to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Proper watering during drought conditions is essential to keep your trees healthy.

By following these steps, you can help your trees prepare for drought conditions and increase their chances of survival.

Watering Trees During Drought

Proper watering is crucial for maintaining the health of your trees during a drought. Here are some tips for watering your trees effectively during dry spells:

Water Deeply:

Trees don’t have tap roots like many plants do, so they need water to reach their roots in the top 12 inches of soil Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth Use a soaker hose or sprinkler system to ensure that the moisture reaches 12-18 inches deep

Use Drip Irrigation:

Drip irrigation systems can be an effective way to water your trees during a drought These systems deliver water directly to the root zone, reducing the amount of water lost to evaporation You can also invest in a weather-based irrigation controller to automatically adjust watering time and frequency based on local conditions

Watering mistakes to avoid

There are several common watering mistakes that can be harmful to trees during a drought. It’s important to avoid these mistakes to ensure that your trees receive the hydration they need to survive.

Overwatering: While it’s important to keep your trees hydrated during a drought, overwatering can actually be detrimental. Too much water can lead to waterlogged soil, which can cause root rot and other moisture-related problems.
Watering at the wrong time of day: Watering your trees during the heat of the day can cause the water to evaporate quickly, resulting in little hydration for your trees. Instead, water your trees early in the morning or late in the evening, when the temperatures are cooler and the water has a chance to soak into the soil.
Not watering beyond the dripline: As mentioned earlier, most tree roots grow well beyond the canopy. To ensure that your trees receive adequate hydration, it’s important to water beyond the dripline, where the water will reach the tree’s root system.
Avoid Saline Water: Saline water can be harmful to trees, especially during drought conditions Avoid using saline water for irrigation, as it can cause drought stress and increase the risk of disease and death.

By avoiding these common watering mistakes, you can help your trees stay healthy and hydrated during a drought.

Mulching to Retain Moisture and Reduce Evaporation

Mulching is a great way to help your trees retain moisture and reduce evaporation during a drought. Mulch helps to keep the soil cool and moist, which can be especially beneficial for trees that are struggling to survive in dry conditions.

To mulch your trees effectively during a drought:

Use organic mulch: Organic mulch like bark chips, pine needles, or cocoa hulls will improve the soil quality and help retain moisture. These mulches will also decompose over time, improving soil structure and increasing soil fertility. Apply a 4-inch layer of mulch: Mulch should be applied in a layer about 4 inches thick. This will help to retain moisture and reduce evaporation. Keep mulch at least 6 inches away from tree trunks: To prevent rot, it’s important to keep the mulch at least 6 inches away from the base of the tree trunk.

There are a few common mistakes to avoid when mulching your trees during a drought:

Applying too much mulch: While a 4-inch layer of mulch is generally recommended, applying too much mulch can actually be harmful to your trees. Excessive mulch can cause the soil to become too moist, leading to root rot and other moisture-related problems.
Using inorganic mulch: Inorganic mulches like stones or gravel do not provide the same benefits as organic mulch. These materials can actually increase the temperature around your trees, making it more difficult for them to survive in hot, dry conditions.
Mulching too close to the trunk: It’s important to keep the mulch at least 6 inches away from the base of the tree trunk to prevent rot. Mulching too close to the trunk can cause the bark to become wet, which can lead to decay and other problems.

Pruning to Improve Tree Structure and Stability

Proper pruning is essential for maintaining the health and stability of your trees. During drought conditions, it’s important to prune away problem branches to help your trees withstand dry spells and improve their structure and stability.

Here are some tips for pruning your trees during a drought:

Remove broken, dead, or diseased branches: Prune away any branches that are broken, dead, or diseased to improve the overall health of your tree. Removing these branches can help your tree conserve energy and resources during drought conditions.
Prune sparingly: While it’s important to remove problem branches during a drought, avoid heavy pruning. Trees that are stressed due to drought are more susceptible to disease and insect infestations, and heavy pruning can increase this risk.
Wait until conditions improve: If possible, wait until drought conditions have passed before doing any heavy pruning. This will allow your tree to have the resources it needs to recover from the pruning process.

For more detailed information on how to properly trim and prune your trees, check out our comprehensive guide on the subject.

Signs Your Tree is Suffering From Drought Stress

It’s important to be on the lookout for signs of drought stress in your trees so that you can take steps to address the problem and help your tree recover. Here are some common signs to watch for:

Drought stress in leaves: During drought conditions, tree leaves may turn yellow or brown, wilt, or curl. This is a sign that the tree is not getting enough water.
Drought damage to bark: Drought can cause the bark of your tree to crack or peel, which can lead to further problems down the line.
Drought damage to branches: Drought-stressed trees may lose branches or develop deadwood, which can weaken the overall structure of the tree.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take action to help your tree recover from drought stress.

Helping Your Trees Recover From Drought Damage

If your trees are suffering from drought stress, there are several steps you can take to help them recover:

Use root stimulants: Root stimulants can help to encourage root growth and improve the overall health of your tree. These products are typically applied to the root zone and can be found at most garden supply stores.

Use root aeration: Root aeration involves creating small holes in the soil around the base of the tree to improve drainage and oxygenation. This can help to encourage root growth and improve the tree’s overall health.

Use growth-regulating hormones: Growth-regulating hormones can help to stimulate growth and improve the health of your tree. These products are typically applied to the root zone and can be found at most garden supply stores.

Use insect control: Drought-stressed trees are more susceptible to insect infestations. To protect your tree from pests, use insect control products according to the label instructions.

Caring for Young vs. Mature Trees During a Drought

The care and attention that young and mature trees need during a drought can vary greatly. Here are some tips for caring for young and mature trees during dry spells, as well as some things to avoid:

Young Trees:

Young trees are more vulnerable to drought stress, so it’s important to pay extra attention to their watering needs during dry spells. Water young trees more frequently and deeply to encourage deep root growth. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other moisture-related problems.

Mulch around the base of young trees to help retain moisture and reduce evaporation. Avoid using inorganic mulch, as this can increase the temperature around the tree and make it more difficult to survive in hot, dry conditions.

Prune sparingly to avoid stressing the tree further. Avoid heavy pruning during a drought, as this can increase the risk of disease and insect infestations.

Mature Trees:

Mature trees are more resistant to drought stress, but it’s still important to monitor their watering needs during dry spells.

Water mature trees deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other moisture-related problems.

Mulch around the base of mature trees to help retain moisture and reduce evaporation. Avoid using inorganic mulch, as this can increase the temperature around the tree and make it more difficult to survive in hot, dry conditions.

Prune away any broken, dead, or diseased branches to improve the tree’s overall health. Avoid heavy pruning during a drought, as this can increase the risk of disease and insect infestations.

FAQ about Tree Care During Drought

Here are five common questions that homeowners may have about caring for their trees during a drought:

How often should I water my trees during a drought?

The frequency of watering will depend on the age and size of your tree, as well as the severity of the drought conditions. In general, young trees will need more frequent watering than mature trees. It's important to water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth.

Can I use a hose to water my trees during a drought?

While a hose can be used to water your trees during a drought, it's generally more efficient to use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system. These methods can help to conserve water and deliver it directly to the root zone where it's needed most.

Is it okay to use fertilizer during a drought?

It's generally not recommended to use fertilizer during or immediately after a drought. Tree roots are susceptible to root burn from the salts in fertilizers when there is a drought, which can further stress the tree. Wait until conditions improve and the tree has had a chance to recover before fertilizing.

Can I prune my trees during a drought?

While it's important to remove problem branches during a drought to help your tree conserve energy and resources, it's generally best to avoid heavy pruning during dry spells. Trees that are stressed due to drought are more susceptible to disease and insect infestations, and heavy pruning can increase this risk.

How can I help my tree recover from drought damage?

To help your tree recover from drought damage, you can use root stimulants, root aeration, growth-regulating hormones, and insect control products. It's also important to continue watering and mulching your tree to help it regain its strength.

Drought can be a challenging time for trees, but with the right care and attention, you can help your trees survive and thrive. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can ensure that your trees get the water, mulch, and pruning they need to survive drought conditions and continue to grow and flourish.

If you need help taking care of your trees during a drought, our team of experienced arborists at Burbank Tree Pros is here to help. We can provide the expert guidance and support you need to ensure that your trees are well taken care of and able to withstand dry spells. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a consultation with one of our arborists.

Check out our other blog posts for more useful tree care tips and information.