We’ve been experiencing some pretty dry conditions lately, and many of you might be wondering whether your trees are getting enough water. The answer can depend upon a few different factors, but here’s what you need to know.

Age matters. If you’ve recently planted a young sapling within the past year or two (or three) it will need more regular watering than an older, more established tree. This is because the roots have yet to grow deeply down into the soil, and therefore cannot tap into moisture that is held deep within the ground. Older trees can access much more extensive areas, and therefore moisture, than younger trees that have yet to build up a solid root system.

The conclusion: If your tree is young, you need to water it regularly, especially during times of drought.

How does your tree look? You can simply take a look at your trees and get an idea of how they’re doing under these dry conditions. If the leaves are wilting, drying, discolored, or curling up at the edges, your tree is dehydrated. Water it deeply, observe it for a day or two, and then repeat if the appearance does not improve.

Check the soil. Dig down about seven inches at the base of your tree, and check the soil. If it’s loose and crumbly, the soil is probably too dry. If it easily rolls into a damp ball, things are probably going okay. But soil that is sopping wet and muddy can be too wet over time. That’s not a problem you’re likely to experience right now!

If you do determine that your trees need water, run the sprinklers for 20 minutes or so. Remember that mulching underneath trees can help the soil retain moisture, and protect them from extreme heat and drought.

If you have any other questions about tree care, give us a call. We can help you decide when trees need trimming or other maintenance.