The 2012 drought has not been kind to trees. According to the City of Sioux Falls, trees in our area have been subjected to weather-related stress since last winter.
First, we had a mild winter that coaxed some tree species into breaking dormancy, only to be knocked back by freezing temperatures. With a dry spring followed by a dry and hot summer, our trees are severely stressed.
Moisture-stressed trees show lighter-colored foliage with browning margins. Some tree leaves have even curled and fallen, which is a sign of severe moisture stress.
Established trees require weekly watering to survive. A 2-inch diameter tree should be receiving about 20 gallons of water a week, and this is best applied slowly with a soaker hose placed under the tree's drip line.
Late summer is a critical time for watering trees so they can survive the winter. This year it is important to continue watering your trees, even when most of their leaves have dried up or fallen off.
For more information on tree watering, follow the links provided.
