University Of Minnesota Extension Caring For Trees In Dry Weather

Press release from the University of Minnesota Extension:

July 8, 2021

As of July 1 2021, approximately 80% of Minnesota is experiencing at least a moderate drought. Severe drought conditions are prevalent in several western and southern Minnesota counties. Coupled with the month of June 2021 being the second hottest on record in Minnesota, trees are facing difficult conditions to survive and thrive.    

Homeowners and woodland owners can ensure that trees survive through dry periods by watering them. However, it is important to be strategic in how much and how often you water trees. 

Established trees can better withstand dry periods than newly planted trees. More developed roots on established trees allow them to reach greater depths for moisture in the soil. If the top nine inches of the soil are dry near established trees, you can use an overhead sprinkler to water them. Be sure to cover the spread of the tree roots when watering.

Newly planted trees and shrubs require more frequent watering than established ones. This is ideally a weekly watering schedule for seedlings that may have been planted in the spring of this year. 

Here are a few tips on watering newly planted trees in dry weather.

For more details on watering trees, see Extension’s Water Wisely webpage to learn how to keep trees and plants healthy.

This press release was produced by the University of Minnesota Extension. The views expressed here are the author’s own.