Advice From Kansas City Arborists That Will Help Your Trees Survive Challenging Conditions
Kansas City-area homeowners know that summers mean consistently high levels of heat and humidity. Typically, a stormfront comes through, cooling things off while delivering some much-needed rainfall.
But what happens if the rain never comes?
When conditions remain hot and humid for too long, trees and landscaping features may experience drought stress from insufficient moisture. To reduce the risk of drought stress, certified arborists in Kansas City recommend taking a few precautions.
Drought Conditions and Their Effects
Drought conditions occur when an area experiences prolonged periods of low rainfall, leading to a significant reduction in soil moisture. In Kansas City, droughts are caused by factors such as high temperatures, infrequent precipitation patterns, and unfavorable shifts in climate. These conditions can last from a few weeks to several months, placing extreme stress on trees and other plant life.
Signs of drought stress include:
- Wilting leaves
- Scorched or discolored leaves
- Leaves that prematurely drop
- Slowed growth and blooming
- Branch dieback
- Soil that is dry and cracking
Homeowners who notice any of these signs in their trees should seek professional support. A certified arborist and tree surgeon are the two best options, as they can perform professional assessments and help rehabilitate trees experiencing drought stress.
How Arborists In Kansas City Prepare Trees For Drought Conditions
Homeowners should remain weather-aware during the summer. Typically, local meteorologists provide warnings about potential drought conditions and how local plant life may be affected. If the forecast calls for continuous heat with no rainfall, consider preparing your trees for drought conditions.
Pull Weeds
During the summer, water and nutrients are in short supply, so it’s important to remove weeds from your yard. This ensures your trees don’t have to compete with invasive plant life for resources.
Prune With Purpose
Pruning dead branches helps trees conserve nutrients and reduces the risk of drought stress. Avoid heavy pruning during drought conditions, as this can place additional stress on trees. For best results, hire a professional tree service that prunes and trims using arborist-approved methods.
Follow Proper Arborist-Approved Watering Techniques
Certified arborists recommend watering deeply rather than more frequently during drought conditions. Homeowners can use soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems to deliver water directly to the root zone, reducing water waste and ensuring moisture makes it to where it’s needed.
Always remember to consider your tree’s species and age when watering. Young trees require more water than fully grown trees to establish their root system. There are also several drought-tolerant species of maple, oak, and elm trees that don’t require additional watering. Homeowners should contact an arborist in Kansas City if they’re uncertain about the ideal watering technique for their trees.
Retain Moisture With Mulch
Certified arborists recommend applying a fresh layer of mulch to reduce the effects of hot and dry conditions. In addition to regulating the soil temperature and helping retain moisture, mulch also discourages weed growth. Carefully follow mulching best practices for ideal results.
Address Soil Health
Improve soil health by incorporating organic matter, such as compost. Healthy soil retains moisture better and provides essential nutrients to trees, enhancing their resilience to drought.
When to Contact an Arborist Near You
If you suspect your trees have drought stress or other health issues, contact a certified arborist. These professionals can assess tree health, diagnose issues, and recommend appropriate treatments to reduce the effects of drought stress.
Arborists are also great to work with if you plan on making any major changes to your landscaping, including tree removal and new tree planting. As tree professionals, they can advise you on which tree species hold up best in Kansas City’s unique climate patterns.
Drought Defense Keeps Your Outdoor Space Looking its Best
Preparing your trees for drought conditions reduces the risk of severe health issues that weaken trees and affect their appearance. Mulching, watering, pruning, and addressing soil health using arborist-approved best practices will help your trees thrive under challenging conditions.
By taking proactive steps, you can protect your landscape and enjoy the beauty and shade your trees provide for years to come. Remember to remain weather-aware, and have your drought defense plan ready to go, should you ever need it.
