New Jersey is currently experiencing a drought with 11 counties in New Jersey, primarily in Southern New Jersey, in a severe drought according to the National Integrated Drought Information System put together by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The South Jersey region hasn’t had significant rainfall since September 2024 and October 2024 has marked the driest October in state history and also the driest month of any year since records began in 1895.
Drought conditions are becoming more frequent as our climate changes and homeowners need to be aware of how to protect their plants, shrubs, and trees from dry conditions. If you’re unsure whether your trees are suffering from drought stress, contact Taylor Expert Arborists for a health inspection of your trees.
What is Drought Stress?
Drought stress is exactly what it sounds like. When trees don’t receive enough water for a long period, the stress causes the structure and physiology of the tree to change. Water is essential for trees to transport nutrients and complete photosynthesis. Without enough water, photosynthesis can slow down or stop impacting the tree’s overall health, slowing growth and making the tree more vulnerable to pests. Drought stress isn’t limited to periods of hot weather or heatwaves, drought stress can occur year-round when trees aren’t getting the appropriate amount of water.
What are the Signs of Drought Stress in Trees?
There are signs that you can look for in your trees to see whether they are suffering from drought stress:
- Leaf Wilting and Curling: Leaves may begin to wilt, curl, or droop due to insufficient water.
- Browning or Scorched Leaf Edges: The edges of leaves may turn brown or scorched as the tree prioritizes water for essential functions, leaving leaf edges dry.
- Early Fall Coloration or Premature Leaf Drop: Leaves may turn yellow, red, or brown earlier than usual and drop prematurely, as the tree conserves resources to survive.
- Smaller or Misshapen Leaves: Leaves might emerge smaller than normal, or appear deformed, as drought reduces the tree’s energy for growth.
- Dieback of Branches and Shoots: Branches, especially smaller ones, may die back from the tips due to less water in the canopy.
- Cracked or Hard Soil Near the Tree Base: Soil that’s very dry or cracked around the base of the tree indicates drought, limiting the tree’s ability to absorb water.
- Increased Susceptibility to Pests and Diseases: Drought-stressed trees are more vulnerable to pests (e.g., borers) and pathogens, which can take advantage of weakened defenses.
- Reduced Growth and Flowering: Growth slows, and flowering may be reduced as the tree prioritizes survival over reproduction or growth.
What Can You Do During Drought Conditions?
Below are some practical tips that homeowners can use to ensure their trees continue to thrive even during dry weather conditions.
- Deep Watering: Water trees deeply once or twice a week to encourage deeper root growth. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system to apply water slowly around the tree’s root zone, which typically extends at least as far out as the tree’s canopy (the “drip line”). Allow the soaker hose to run somewhere between two to four hours.
- Watering Schedule: Water in the early morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler, so you avoid water loss and evaporation that occurs during the middle of the day. Also avoid watering the tree from overhead, which can promote disease and prevent water from making it to the tree’s root system.
- Mulching: Apply a 2-4” layer of mulch, like wood chips or compost, around the base of the tree. Avoid piling it against the trunk (leave a few inches of space). Organic mulch helps retain soil moisture, moderate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
- Prioritize Young Trees: Focus your watering efforts on young or newly planted trees since they have shallower, less established root systems. Trees less than 3 years old are especially vulnerable to drought stress.
- Prune Carefully: Have a licensed tree service remove dead or damaged branches. Don’t prune excessively during drought conditions, it can further stress the tree.
- Avoid Fertilizing: Fertilizing during a drought can stress trees further, as it encourages new growth that demands more water. Wait until conditions improve to apply any fertilizer.
- Limit Competition: Keep grass and other plants away from the base of the tree. These can compete with trees for water, especially in drought conditions.
- Inspect for Pests and Disease: Drought-stressed trees are more vulnerable to pests and diseases. Have a licensed tree service inspect for signs of infestation or disease and treat your trees promptly to prevent further stress.
- Choose Drought-Resistant Species: If you’re planting new trees in a drought-prone area, choose native or drought-resistant species suited to your local climate. These species are better adapted to survive with less water. A licensed tree expert can help you navigate the water requirements of drought-resistant tree species.
- Create a Berm or Basin: For young trees or trees on slopes, build a soil berm or basin around the tree’s base to help direct water toward the root zone and prevent runoff.
What if My Tree has Reached the “Point of No Return?”
If you think your tree may be past the “point of no return” and is unlikely to recover from drought stress, have Taylor Expert Arborists perform a tree health inspection on your tree.
A tree health inspection is a thorough assessment of a tree’s overall health, performed by a licensed tree expert. The primary purpose of a tree health inspection is to evaluate the tree’s health, identify any potential issues or safety hazards, determine any tree needs, and recommend appropriate actions to maintain or improve the health of your trees.
During the inspection, your tree care professional will evaluate the tree’s structure and the surrounding soil and root system. They’ll also evaluate the tree’s overall health by inspecting the bark, branches, leaves, and more.
How Do I Get an Estimate for a Tree Health Inspection?
Contact Taylor Expert Arborists at the phone number, email, or the link below to request an estimate. Taylor Expert Arborists always provides free quotes in writing and includes any recommendations for tree trimming or tree removal. We have a wide range of tree pruning and tree removal equipment and safety equipment to properly perform any pruning or trimming services necessary as a result of the tree health inspection, and we always take into account accessibility and property preservation when bringing in equipment.
Taylor Expert Arborists always provides its customers with an easy-to-read written contract that protects the homeowner and tree service, spelling out pricing, payment terms, and everything that is included in the work.
