Will Too Much Rain Kill My Tree?

Posted on March 10, 2020 by admin

It seems like the spring season is almost upon us since the snow has melted and the rain is in full affect. Everything growing in the ground needs this seasonal showering of water for spring growth to occur; however, can too much water be a bad thing for trees? After all, the results of back-to-back melting snow and rainfall might have your lawn feeling a little too soggy.

Continue reading to learn the facts about tree watering and tree care that will set you on the right track toward optimal tree health.

Over-Watered Trees

It is common knowledge that water is the ultimate, essential resource for trees and plants. Without it, there is just no chance for survival. On the other hand, the old saying, “too much of a good thing can be bad” might apply to landscaping trees under certain circumstances. It is possible to over-water a tree, and similarly, for a tree to receive too much water from snow and rain.

One of the most detrimental risks associated with over-watering are water-logged tree roots, which can lead to a vascular fungal disease within the root system. When tree roots accumulate too much water, they cannot receive enough oxygen, nor properly transport water through the rest of a tree. Common symptoms of an over-watered tree include leaf wilting, scorched leaves, pest infestation, root rot, bark rot, and leaning.

What About Flood-Resistant Tree Species?

A water tolerant, or flood-resistant, tree will be able to withstand, and ultimately, survive, the conditions it is exposed to standing water over a period of time. Examples of such trees that are compatible with Indiana hardiness zones include River Birch, Weeping Willow, Bald Cypress, and believe it or not, Red Maple. Additional water tolerant tree species to consider include Hackberry, Black Tupelo, American Sweetgum, and Overcup Oak. However, there is a point to which even flood-resistant tree species can receive too much water, and ultimately, become water-logged.

How to Water a Tree Properly

The general rule of thumb for watering trees varies a bit depending on certain factors. But with all tree water, keep in mind that heavy, slow watering once or twice a week is better than frequent short watering. Also be sure your trees are properly mulched, at least 2 to 3 inches around the base, to netter retain moisture during dry periods. You know your trees have receive the right amount of water when you dig 6 to 8 inches in the soil and it is moist but not soggy.

Use this guide below as a reference for proper tree watering:

🌲 Newly-Planted or Transplanted – 1 to 2 times a week during growth season.
🌳 Young Trees – Water regularly during periods of no rainfall.
🌲 Mature Trees – 1 to 2 times a week during growth season.
🌳 Sick Trees – Water regularly, while seeking advice from a certified arborist.

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Call 317-537-9770 for professional tree service in Noblesville, Indiana. We offer a wide range of professional tree services for residential and commercial properties. Ask us about our competitive pricing and our tree service coupons! And please feel free to contact us anytime for free estimates, advice, general tree removal information, and more. Call 317-537-9770 to request a free estimate, today.

Is My Tree Getting Too Much Sun?

Posted on July 16, 2019 by admin

Although trees require sunlight for process of photosynthesis to take place, it is possible for a tree to receive too much sunlight, especially if they are newly planted or young. As a result, trees can experience a long list of negative health implications, including foliage loss and discoloration, leaf scorch, and more. Fortunately, there are several ways to protect trees from excessive sun exposure, all of which are go-to methods for both commercial and residential properties.

Continue reading to learn the top 4 tips and tricks for reducing the amount of sun and heat your landscaping trees are exposed to in the summer.

The General Rule of Green Thumb

First and foremost, be sure you are planting full-sun plants and trees in areas of your yard that are in full sun all day long, or at least 8 hours. In areas of your yard that are full sun, you do not want to plant partial-sun or partial-shade tree species, otherwise, you are putting them at a very high risk of sun overexposure.

If you have trees planted in areas of your yard that get too much sun exposure, rather than transplanting them, which can subject your trees to transplant shock and more, try implementing these 4 trusted methods instead:

❶ Install Floating Rows

Floating row covers are lightweight cloth tarps that hang over a tree to provide a blanket of shade. This method works best for young or newly planted trees under 3 feet tall. As an alternative, you can purchase cotton or burlap tarps and drape them over your tree during the hottest parts of the afternoon.

❷ Incorporate Shady Plants

You can plant bushy, tall plants around your tree to provide extra shade. As these plants grow throughout the season, they will cast a larger shadow around your tree. Consider ornamental grasses that grow tall and plentiful. Just be sure they are a full-sun species!

❸ Create a Proper Mulch Bed

A proper mulch application goes a long way when it comes to protecting landscaping trees. It keeps the soil cool and moist, which allows the tree to retain more water, and therefore, combat excessive sun. Regardless of age, species, or location, all planted trees should have a proper mulch bed around their base. See our blog, “Mulching Tips for Tree Care” to learn the recommended guidelines.

❹ Water EVERYDAY

Water your trees more than you would normally water them so that the soil does not dry out. Trees should get five gallons of water per inch of their trunk’s diameter, over an extended period of time. Do not water during the hottest part of the day because a large percentage will just evaporate in the heat. Instead, water in the early morning or in the evening.

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Do I Need to Water My Trees?

Posted on June 12, 2015 by admin

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Newly planted or growing trees, usually in the first two or three years, do require consistent irrigating. There are a few things to know about watering trees in order to achieve the highest level of care. Trees can be over-watered, under-watered, and watered improperly. If you love your landscaping trees, take a moment to review a few facts and tips about watering trees and be better informed about proper tree care methods. Learn how to protect your trees from seasonal drought, root rot, weeds, and more.

Too Much Water

If trees are watered too much, its soil becomes over-saturated and the roots suffocate and die. And stagnant wet soil attracts unwanted root rot organisms that can also kill trees. Certain tree species can handle wet soil conditions (River Birch, Cypress, Sycamore, Etc.), but most cannot. You want to water enough to moisten the soil, but not overly-saturate it. Signs that your tree is being over-watered include yellow leaves, brittle leaves, visible fungus or algae growth on the soil beneath the tree, black tree roots (root rot), and more.

Not Enough Water

Trees need water for sustenance and growth, and even more-so during drought seasons or periods with extended lack of precipitation. Without water, trees cannot survive. It is that simple. It is important to find a happy-medium between too much and not enough water when it comes to your trees. During growing season, trees should be watered once a week, more or less depending on the amount of rain at the time. You want to water them, allow the water to soak in, and wait a few days before re-watering. If the soil around the tree is still moist one inch in, it does not need to be watered just yet. If it is dry 1 inch into the soil, it is ready for more water.

The Right Amount of Water

The trick to knowing how much water to give your tree starts with the tree trunk’s diameter. Measure this in inches, and then multiply that times five. Trees should get five gallons of water per inch of their trunk’s diameter, over an extended period of time. This is why line drips, bubbler heads, and irrigation systems come so highly recommended. You don’t want to dump 20 gallons of water at the base of a tree. That can over-saturate and harm the tree. If you only have a garden hose, simply turn the water on slow and low and then place it at the base of the tree for a few hours.

Additional Tree Watering Tips:

• Water At Night When Evaporation Levels are Lower

• Do Not Use Spray-Head Sprinklers – They are Less Efficient

• Lay Mulch at the Base of Trees to Conserve Moisture

• Combat Weeds and Other Nuisances that Compete with a Tree’s Water Source

• Control Water Run-Off by Edging the Mulch or Soil Around the Base of the Tree

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