A dry spell can make your trees look the worse for wear. You may be seeing browning leaves well before fall is upon you and put to wondering if the tree is merely thirsty or has a more serious affliction.
Since 1998, we at Truetimber Arborists have been on hand to put Richmond homeowners’ minds at ease with answers to such questions. Scott Turner started our company from the ground up in Richmond, VA, and among our staff are ISA Certified Arborists with TRAQ credentials. Should you see any trouble brewing with your trees, pick up the phone at (804) 376-8094.
We come across drought stress more than anything; it is a problem that will often catch you by surprise. One week the tree appears to be in good shape, the next it is in decline. But there is some solace in the fact that a tree will put out warning signs before it comes to that. It is best to be in the know.
What Drought Stress Does to a Tree
Deprive a tree of water and it is unable to circulate nutrients as it should. The roots go dry, normal functions are put on hold and the tree is left weaker. That makes it an easy mark for disease and pests.
Many a homeowner does not realise something is amiss until the tree has been under duress for some time, so heeding those first indications is important.
Things to Look For
You will find some symptoms of a water deficit hard to miss and others require a bit of scrutiny. A few telltale ones include:
- Leaves wilting or drooping with no sign of perking up by evening
- Yellowing or browning of the leaf edges, or a scorched appearance
- Leaf drop ahead of the fall season
- Leaves that curl or cup in on themselves
- A paucity of new growth in the spring
- Foliage in the upper canopy that is thinning out
- Dry, cracked soil at the base of the tree
Spot a number of these and the tree is making its need for assistance plain.
Richmond’s Trees Are Prone to It
The soil in parts of this city is not always conducive to holding moisture and we have long, hot summers. In the older sections like Carytown, Church Hill or The Fan, trees have to contend with compacted earth and little room for their roots. A young tree is at particular risk as the roots have yet to put down.
Then again, a mature specimen is not immune. An oak or maple of size demands a lot of water and will begin to show it when a drought lingers.
How to Lend a Hand
You can do things at home to put your trees in better stead when the weather is dry. We would suggest:
- Put on the water slowly and deep instead of a shallow quick fix
- Direct it to the root zone
- Mulch the base to keep the moisture in
- Refrain from fertilizing a tree under stress, it is counterproductive
- Do it in the morning to limit evaporation
If you have doubts as to how much water is called for, our arborists are happy to set you straight.
Making a Call to a Pro
There are times when mulching and watering are not enough to stem the tide of drought stress, or when you have pests to deal with. Our plant health care division is equipped to handle everything from deep root fertilization and soil treatments to growth regulators to restore your tree.
We are licensed and insured and cover all of Richmond and environs from Bon Air to Midlothian and Short Pump, Glen Allen, Mechanicsville and Forest Hill, as well as Yorktown, VA. Friends of James River Park made us a “River Hero” in 2014 in recognition of what we do for the environment. And every one of our arborists has gone through the Truetimber Academy for his training and certification.
Do not put it off until there is nothing to be done for your tree. See the signs of drought stress and we will be sure to return your call in 24 business hours. We provide free estimates so why not let us put your trees in a position to thrive. Give us a ring at (804) 376-8094.
