Late Summer Drought Plant Care Tips

Posted on September 12th, 2024 by John Foegley

09/12/2024: We are experiencing a drought here in the Michiana area and our chances for rain are slim over the next week or 10 days . Your plants may be feeling the stress so here are a couple of assumptions to avoid.

Don’t assume that your automatic irrigation system does not need adjusted. Supplemental water provided by automatic irrigation systems will vary with design, pressure and flow of water. This amount of water needed will vary by soil type, sun/shade exposure, etc.

We suggest checking the moisture level in various locations around your landscape plantings.  Dig down a few inches and physically check the moisture level in the soil.  If the soil is dry, run irrigation system. This will help you avoid overwatering which is just as dangerous as under watering

Don’t assume that your automatic irrigation system will provide sufficient water for trees which were installed last fall or this this year, especially those which were installed in turf areas.   

1. **Water Deeply & Regularly**: New trees typically have shallow short roots. Deep, slow watering 2-3 times a week ensures they get the moisture they need. This can be accomplished by stretching a garden hose out to your new tree and letting the water trickle for a couple of hours.  If you have several trees, relocate the hose as needed.

2. ** For remote locations where there is no easily available water supply use Tree Gators or Water Bags: These can help deliver consistent water directly to the root zone—perfect for young trees in dry conditions.

Here are a few expert tips to help landscape plantings enter thrive through a late summer drought

1. **Water Early or Late**: Water your plants in the early morning or late evening to minimize evaporation and ensure the roots absorb as much moisture as possible.

2. **Mulch Matters**: Add a layer of mulch to help retain soil moisture and keep roots cooler during the hottest parts of the day.

3. **Deep Watering**: Water deeply but less frequently. This encourages roots to grow deeper, making plants more drought-resistant.

4. **Prune Wisely**: Trim dead or damaged branches to reduce water demand and improve airflow.

5. **Shade Protection**: If possible, offer temporary shade to new plantings during the hottest part of the day to reduce stress.

6. **Mulch Around the Base**: A thick layer of mulch helps keep soil cool and conserves moisture.

Problems with Irrigation systems which cover turf areas will become obvious during drought periods. These problems can vary from broken or malfunctioning irrigation heads to more complex problems associated with zoning and water supply. You need help with your irrigation system. Give us a call or contact us via email.