Do Trees in the Greater Houston Metro Area Need Drought Relief?
As of 2022, Houston’s drought status has recovered somewhat but the region still struggles. According to the US Drought Monitor (January 2022), the Greater Houston Metro area is moderately to abnormally dry. Conditions have improved since we experienced one of the worst heat waves in 2011 and a major drought from 2010 to 2015. Where we go from here is yet to be seen. One thing we do know, trees need water to survive. When they lack water and moisture, damage occurs and diseases set in. It should be a part of our regular routine to have them checked and remedies implemented. Our arborists at Tree Solutions of Texas want to partner with you to help with these drought relief needs.
How Our Top-Rated Experts Recognize and Remedy Tree Issues During Drought Conditions
Since we invest a great deal of time and money into our trees, it is important to recognize symptoms of drought. This prevents further damage and loss. It certainly is a challenge but one that our expert arborists at Tree Solutions of Texas are educated to handle. Our tree doctors are thoroughly aware of the signs that a tree is suffering from drought.
As part of our drought relief program, our experts will look for the signs. Is the canopy of your tree thinning out? Are the leaves turning yellow or off-color in any way? Are the leaves looking scorched, the foliage wilted, or is the tree losing more leaves than normal? Is there less twig growth or has the overall growth of the tree been stunted? When a tree starts to show any sign of drought, a supplemental watering plan must be immediately implemented to provide more moisture throughout the structure of the tree.
Since watering is the key factor, a plan is implemented to end the tree’s suffering by adding water. Watering must occur at the right time of day, it should be administered slowly and following a planned schedule, it must reach the roots that extend far out beyond the end of the tree’s canopy. The soil must be tested manually to determine how well water is infiltrating down to the roots and adjusted accordingly.
Frequent and strict supervision of all watering systems is imperative for success.
There are several other factors that can help trees survive a drought. Proper mulching helps the soil retain moisture. Making certain you have the right depth of mulch is critical. Not enough mulch allows moisture to evaporate. Too much mulch impedes the movement of water down into the roots. Fertilization with organic materials is needed to add nutrients into the soil. Slow-release fertilizers are beneficial, yet fast-release fertilizers should be avoided. It is recommended to stop all tree planting and transplanting activities in a drought.
An inspection for insects and other pests must also be conducted during a drought. Trees get stressed and become more susceptible to borers, canker, pine bark beetles and other disease-causing organisms.
Tree Solutions of Texas is Prepared to Manage Drought Relief Projects All Across These Communities in the Greater Houston Metro Area:
- Houston
- Pearland
- Friendswood
- League City
- Dickinson
- Webster
- Deer Park
- La Porte
- Alvin
- Pasadena
- Kemah
- Texas City
- Sugar Land
- Missouri City
- Bellaire
- Hedwig Village
- Katy
- Baytown
- Humble
- Spring
- The Woodlands
- Cypress
- Tomball
- Conroe
- Magnolia
- Cinco Ranch
- Clear Lake
- Atascocita
- Mont Belvieu
- Houston Heights
- Houston Galleria
- Memorial
- Kingwood
- River Oaks
- West University
- Hunter’s Creek Village
- Bunker Hill Village
- Spring Valley Village
- Piney Point Village
- Hillshire Village