Denny's Soapbox

Calling all Homeowners - Water Water Water!

The original article I had planned to write for today is going to have to wait. No article previously written by me is as important as this one. In five hundred words or less, I have to convince you to water your trees, the larger the tree the more important it is to water.

The Summer of 88’

This year’s summer heat and serious drought is a duplicate of the weather conditions in the summer of 88’. The only difference between the two is that this summer has been even hotter. I can remember back to ’88 and recall all of the plant damage that drought caused in the following year. There were many trees, especially maples that had varying amounts of die back in ’89 with even more tree decline occurring in ’90. Older, large evergreens, especially Japanese Yews which had been growing for 20 to 30 years started dieing during that time. Not all plants died, the plants that did die were just here and there. This sporadic death of plants was especially devastating for homeowners that had several plants of the same size planted in a row to create a hedge. When only one or two of those plants died it would ruin the look of the whole group of plants.

All of this damage and loss was due to total desiccation of the root systems of various plants. The older, the plant the more plant damage and loss. All plants should be making their new root growth in the fall, not just trying to keep existing roots alive. Very few homeowners heeded the warning that was given by the nursery industry in ’88 and I’m very concerned that the same mind set is in place with homeowners today.

Do you like to Gamble?

I can’t say for sure that what happened to our trees and shrubs in ’88 will happen in the spring of ’08. I do know if we have a very cold winter, you can take the money you saved by not watering your trees now and invest it into a new chain saw. Stressed trees are the first ones to attract opportunistic harmful insects that could put the final death blow to any stressed tree or shrub. It is impossible to replace a large tree regardless of your financial status. Healthy, happy trees continue to grow in value. On the other hand, a dead tree can cost many dollars just to remove it while your property value drops as well.

Get Ready for Rain

Here’s another great reason to get out the hose and sprinkler and start watering. Currently due to the lack of water the ground is very hard and dry. Because of this condition when we do get any rain, it will hit the soil and immediately run off like it’s hitting the driveway. By pre-softening the soil with your hose and sprinkler this will allow much more of any future rain to soak into your soil and in turn give your plants a much needed drink of water.

Final Plea

I know it’s your plants and your water bill. You could argue that other trees in natural areas like parks and woods aren’t being watered with anyone’s hose. Your right! Those trees are at the mercy of nature. This only means that the trees and shrubs that have the best chance of longevity and survival are in your very own yard.

Nuff Said!