With the recent storms and tornadoes behind us, countless properties are left with lawns full of standing water. Many homeowners are curious how flooded water will affect their landscaping trees, and whether or not they can do anything to protect them from damage. Continue reading to learn how trees can be affected by flooded waters, and what makes a tree more vulnerable to these damages.
Flood-Related Tree Damages
Excessive flooding can negatively influence several aspects of a tree, including height, growth, and survival. Long periods of flooding can stunt a tree’s growth, decreasing its overall diameter and height potential. But it can also cause trees to weaken, making them more vulnerable to inclement weather, tree diseases, insects, and pests. Trees can also experience stress or decline as a result of changes in soil, pH, gas exchange between trees, and more.
Signs of tree stress include:
• Leaf Chlorosis
• Defoliation
• Foliage Loss
• Decrease Leaf Size
• Early Seasonal Leaf Coloration
• Early Seasonal Leaf Drop
• Epicormic Sprouting
• Crown Dieback
• Reduced Seed Crops
• And More
Flood Tolerance in Trees
The degree of susceptibility to flood damage depends in several aspects of a tree. A tree’s age, condition, height, species, root system, crown class, strength, and more are all influential in how flood-tolerant your trees are and how affected they’ll be by too much water. Talk to your local tree service company about how to protect your trees from damage, and whether or not your flooded trees are a hazard to your property.