Sorensen Neighborhood

A Tough Summer for Sorensen Trees

Sep 02, 2007

By Jim Vaughan, Environmental Coordinator, jvaughan@stlouispark.org

This summer has been brutal to our plants and landscapes. This has been one of the driest and hottest summers we?’ve ever experienced. After more than five years of annual precipitation deficit, we find our plants?—especially our trees?—drying up. Despite heavy rains and cooler weather in August, the trees remain under stress.

In drought conditions, trees have no water in their system and their capacity to transpire (breathe) is diminished or nonexistent. This
weakens trees that and makes them
susceptible to diseases, insects and herbicides.

Oak trees have been struggling. The Bur oaks, which are a staple of dry prairie landscapes, are drying up. Some are becoming infected with oak wilt. The Sorensen neighborhood is lucky to have many mature oaks, so be on the lookout for weakened, hurting trees.

The best first aid for your trees is to water all of them, frequently and deeply. Keep in mind, a typical mature tree can transpire 100-200 gallons of water during a typical summer day! Keep trees well watered until the first hard frost.

For trees planted within the past 2-4 years, run a hose out to the base of the tree and let it trickle for an hour every three days. For mature trees, find the drip line, which is at the edge of the branch tips or canopy. Run your hose out to the drip line and water at a trickle in that spot for at least half an hour, then move it to two or three other spots within the drip line. Perform this routine every other day.

Also, be careful with herbicides and lawn fertilizers during this drought. They may do more harm than good, especially to your trees.
Droughts can affect your trees for years to come by weakening them, making them more prone to many other afflictions. Taking care of them now is insurance for the future.