Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Farm & Home News

Not only is the dry weather having an affect on lawns, it is also affecting landscape ornamentals and trees.

Most woody shrubs usually take the heat and drought fairly well. However, this year has been really hard on them.

When watering these landscape ornamentals it is best not to wait until the leaves start to brown and wilt. Once the shrubs begin the process of browning and wilting the plant's condition may continue to get worse no matter how much water is put on them.

Trees have also been affected by the weather. Deep, slow watering is best and may be done by placing the water hose on the ground in several spots around the tree letting it "trickle" for some time, which allows the water to soak in. Trees, such as dogwoods, typically have a shallow root system, making them more susceptible to water stress. In this case mulching can be done to help conserve soil moisture.

To prevent insect or disease invasion it is important to avoid piling up mulch against the base of the tree trunk. It is also important to remember that the effects of drought stress on trees may not show up until the next year or two, so it is best to provide good deep soil moisture regularly to promote vigor.