With abnormally dry weather conditions the Nemaha Natural Resources District tree specialist, Mark McDonald, would like to remind everyone how critical it is to water trees and shrubs. Younger species with less vigorous root systems are especially at risk for damage or death from drought conditions. “Right now, the trees are storing up nutrients in their leaves to prepare for the winter.” Said McDonald. “If you are starting to see leaves fall on most species, it is too early.”

To best protect young trees McDonald recommends using a sprinkler to absorb the most water into the ground, mimicking a gentle soaking rain. Soaking the soil above and around the tree supports the feeder roots that expand laterally from the tree in the top 18 inches of soil. These feeder roots are a primary source of nutrients and water. Trees and shrubs should be watered every two weeks up until the ground freezes if we continue to not get any precipitation.