Ornamental trees, shrubs and bushes have been struggling with the drought this summer.
Some types of trees, particularly those of the evergreen variety, have been hit hard by extremely dry conditions and high temperatures this summer, Krista Harding, horticulture agent with the Southwind Extension District, said.
“I think it caught people by surprise. They didn’t take note soon enough,” she said. “Early spring, it was so wet we couldn’t wait for it to dry. But when it did, it completely dried up.”
Trees began to show signs of stress as summer proceeded, but people often don’t realize the importance of watering larger, long-standing growth such as trees and bushes, Harding said. They instead focus on watering the grass, flower beds and gardens.
“If you can’t water anything else, water your trees,” she encouraged. “Take care of trees. They’re your biggest investment.”
Of course, it might be too late in many cases.
Bob Henry with Eager Beaver Tree and Lawn Service has spent the past few weeks ripping out bushes and evergreen trees throughout the area, including several bushes in front of the Register’s office. The five Japanese yew bushes had been planted more than 50 years ago, and because of their age, they weren’t able to tolerate the drought, Henry said.
Other types of evergreens, particularly emerald arborvitae, are prized because they make good screen trees but have been particularly susceptible to this year’s drought, both Henry and Harding said.
AT THIS time of year, it can be difficult to judge if a tree is losing its leaves and turning brown because of the natural fall cycle or if it’s dying, Harding said. An easy test is to peel back the bark and see if it’s still green inside. If branches are brown all the way through, it’s a lost cause. Tear it out.
“You don’t know just by looking at a tree. You need to check the branch tissue,” she said.
“If you’re seeing spots on leaves early in the spring, that’s concerning. We want a tree to maintain its leaves throughout the growing season. If a young tree flames brown almost overnight, that’s always concerning.”
Disease is also a concern, as well as pests.
Henry said when he first started getting calls about struggling evergreen trees, he assumed bagworms were the culprit. Now, he’s convinced drought is the bigger problem. But a combination of problems — drought, pests and disease — can make it even more challenging for trees and shrubs to recover.
He has about 50 years of experience in tree and lawn care, and said this year’s drought is among the most challenging.
Harding has fielded many calls of property owners concerned about their trees. They wonder if it’s too late to save them.
Young trees especially need tender care, she said, but in the current drought conditions, even mature trees could use a good, healthy dose of H2O.
