Spring 2015 has been dry according to reports released by the U.S. Drought Monitor. Reports state that 37.8% of contiguous United States has seen moderate to exponential drought. U.S. Drought Monitor also states we are 37% below where we should be as we approach the summer months.
What Effects Do Droughts Have?
Trees and Shrubs: Delicate root hairs, which absorb soil moisture and nutrients, die off from lack of rain fall. Trees and shrubs are unable to benefit when it actually rains until roots are healthy again.
Lawns: Lawns become more susceptible to thinning and this thinning can cause an increase in crabgrass. Furthermore, because of lack of rain pH levels change causing lawns to be come spotted.
Which trees and shrubs are at risk?
- Newly Planted Trees
- Tress growing in a limited reservoir of solid
- Trees weakened from root injury, storm damage, disease, defoliation or improper care
- Shallow root species like Red Maple or Hemlock
- Plants decimated by deer
- Tree on properties during construction
Solutions to drought
- Water
- Mulch
- Anti desiccant
- Nutrients
- Monitor
- Maintenance