During current drought conditions, it is critical that you water your established, mature trees. Of course, we want to make sure we take care of plants and lawns too, but be sure your trees are getting enough water. Here’s how.
Trees, especially mature shade trees, provide huge benefits for our environment and they’re difficult and expensive to replace. How could you even put a price tag on a 30-year-old mature Oak tree?
With summer temps and a lack of depth moisture in the ground due to drought conditions, mature trees need a slow, deep watering every 2 to 4 weeks. If your trees are showing signs of stress, (looking dull, dropping leaves), water them deeply once a week to rehydrate. You can accomplish proper, deep watering by placing a sprinkler between the trunk of the tree and the drip line (edge of the tree canopy) and running it for 45 mins. Then, move the sprinkler 1/3 of the way around the tree and repeat until you’ve watered all the way around. Check your sprinkler placement to be sure you’re not watering the street, the sidewalk, etc. Here’s a simple top-view illustration.
It’s critical to water trees sufficiently and create depth moisture now in case the drought is prolonged. The more stressed trees get, the more difficult it is to bring them back to good health.
–DeAnna
DeAnna says
Keep fresh water out, they will find it and they definitely need it. Hummingbird migration is September and they will need food also. Oranges cut in half on fence spikes will also feed nature
Hope says
We have mature mesquite with a trunk that is beginning to separate into two directions. Any suggestions?
DeAnna says
I would contact an experienced tree service to see if some select pruning can be done to balance the weight. Many times a bolt and cable system needs to be installed to prevent further separation. We recommend Tree Amigos. John is also an arborist so he should be able to help.